Dashes Hyphens and Slashes

Yes, you should use a hyphen in "state-licensed" when it is used as a compound adjective before a noun. For example, you would write "state-licensed professionals." However, if "state licensed" is used after a noun, the hyphen is generally not needed, as in "the professionals are state licensed."

No, "thirty first" should not have a hyphen. It is written as two separate words when used in a sentence, for example, "The event is on the thirty first of July." However, if it appears as an adjective before a noun, you can hyphenate it as "thirty-first," such as in "the thirty-first day."

A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark used to connect words or parts of words, such as in compound adjectives (e.g., well-known) or to separate syllables. An em-dash (—) is a longer punctuation mark used to create a strong break in a sentence, often to set off information or indicate a pause for emphasis. While both marks can enhance clarity, their functions and appearances are distinct.

Yes, "mid portion" typically requires a hyphen when used as a compound adjective before a noun, making it "mid-portion." For example, you would say "the mid-portion analysis showed significant results." However, when used as a noun phrase, it can be written as "the mid portion." Always consider the context to determine the correct usage.

In the musical "Annie," the correct line is "the jig is up." This phrase is used to indicate that the deception or scheme has been uncovered and it's time to face the consequences. It reflects a turning point in the story where characters realize they can no longer continue their charade.

Yes, "well-recognized" is hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "a well-recognized artist." The hyphen helps clarify that "well" modifies "recognized" as a single concept. However, if it appears after the noun, it is typically not hyphenated, as in "the artist is well recognized."

Yes, "fast learner" is typically hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, as in "fast-learning student." However, when used as a noun on its own, it is usually not hyphenated, as in "She is a fast learner." The hyphen helps clarify that the two words work together to modify the noun.

In email addresses, hyphens can be used in the local part (the portion before the "@" symbol) as well as in the domain name (the portion after the "@"). However, they cannot appear at the beginning or end of the local part or domain name. It's important to note that an email address cannot contain consecutive hyphens, but they can be used alongside letters, numbers, and periods.

Yes, "one and a half" is typically hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "one-and-a-half-hour meeting." However, when used as a standalone phrase, it does not require hyphenation.

The correct forms are "one-half piece of pie," "I gave her one-half," and "follow-up appointment." In these examples, "one-half" is used as a compound adjective or a noun modifier, and "follow-up" is a compound adjective describing the type of appointment. Using hyphens in these cases clarifies the relationships between the words.

Yes, "tenure-track" is hyphenated when used as an adjective to describe a position or role, such as in "tenure-track professor." The hyphen helps clarify that the two words function together as a single descriptor. However, when used as a noun (e.g., "She is in a tenure track"), it is typically not hyphenated.

Yes, "on-time" is hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun, such as in "on-time delivery." However, when used as an adverb or after a noun, it is typically written as two separate words, like in "The train arrived on time."

Yes, "three-month" is hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "a three-month course." The hyphen helps clarify that the adjective describes the duration of the course. However, if it appears after the noun, it is not hyphenated, as in "The course lasts three months."

No, "first hand" is not hyphenated when it is not used as a modifier. For example, in the sentence "I experienced it first hand," it is written as two separate words. However, when used as a compound adjective before a noun, it becomes "first-hand," as in "first-hand experience."

No, "above entitled" is not hyphenated. It is typically used as a phrase in legal documents to refer to a title or heading mentioned earlier in the text. The words "above" and "entitled" function independently in this context, so a hyphen is unnecessary.

Yes, "school year" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, as in "school-year calendar." However, when it stands alone as a noun, it does not require a hyphen. For example, you would say, "The school year starts in September," but "We have a school-year schedule."

The word "maintenance" is typically not hyphenated, as it is a single, unbroken word. However, in certain contexts where it may need to be split at the end of a line, it can be hyphenated as "main-tenance." Always ensure that hyphenation follows the rules of the specific style guide you are using.

The word "earliest" is not hyphenated as it is a single, standalone adjective. It is used to describe the superlative form of "early," indicating the first in time. Hyphenation is typically not necessary unless it is part of a compound modifier before a noun, which is not the case here.

No, "no cost" is not hyphenated. It is typically written as two separate words when used as a phrase to describe something that does not incur any charges. However, if used as a compound adjective before a noun, it can be hyphenated as "no-cost."

Yes, "hand-held" should be hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun, as in "hand-held device." This helps clarify that the two words function together as a single descriptive term. However, when used as a noun, it's often written as "handheld" without a hyphen. Always consider the context to determine the correct form.

Yes, "long-term" is hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, as in "long-term goals." However, when it is used as a noun or after the verb "to be," it is typically not hyphenated, as in "The effects are long term."

Yes, a hyphen is used when writing "high-tech" as it helps clarify that "high" modifies "tech." When used as an adjective before a noun, the hyphen connects the two words to indicate they function together as a single concept. However, when used as a noun, it can be written as "high tech" without the hyphen.

The light on the dash of a 2004 Honda CR-V that resembles a yield sign with an exclamation point indicates a problem with the vehicle’s brake system. This warning could be related to low brake fluid, an issue with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), or a general brake malfunction. It's important to address this warning promptly by checking the brake fluid level and consulting a mechanic if the light remains illuminated.

"Check-in" should be hyphenated when used as a noun or an adjective, such as "The check-in process was smooth." However, when used as a verb, it is typically written as two separate words: "Please check in at the front desk."

The term "fine-tune" typically requires a hyphen when used as a verb, as in "to fine-tune a system." As a noun or adjective, it can be written as "fine tuning" or "fine-tuned" without a hyphen. Overall, the hyphen is important for clarity in specific contexts.