Dashes Hyphens and Slashes

Yes, the word "aged" has a stress mark. In English phonetics, it is typically pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, as in /ˈeɪ.dʒɪd/. The stress mark indicates that the first syllable is emphasized when the word is spoken.

Yes, "three-year plan" should be hyphenated. The hyphen connects the words "three" and "year" to indicate that they collectively modify the noun "plan." This helps to clarify that the plan is specifically designed for a duration of three years.

Yes, "cross currents" should be hyphenated as "cross-currents" when used as a compound adjective before a noun. For example, you would write "cross-currents influences" to clarify that the currents are of a cross nature. However, when used alone, such as "the cross currents were strong," it does not require a hyphen.

Hyphenation is typically used to join words or separate syllables, rather than for emphasis. However, some writers may use hyphens creatively for stylistic purposes to draw attention to a particular word or to create a specific effect. It's important to ensure that such usage remains clear and does not confuse the reader. In most formal writing, though, traditional emphasis techniques like italics or bold text are preferred.

Yes, "mid-forties" should be hyphenated. The hyphen helps clarify that "mid" modifies "forties" as a single concept, indicating the range of ages from approximately 43 to 47. Without the hyphen, the meaning could be less clear.

Yes, "site-specific" is hyphenated. The hyphen is used to connect the words "site" and "specific" to indicate that they function together as a single adjective describing a noun, such as in "site-specific art." This helps clarify that the specificity pertains to a particular site.

Yes, you typically hyphenate "one-quarter" when it is used as an adjective before a noun, such as in "one-quarter cup." However, when it stands alone as a noun, it is usually written without a hyphen, as in "I ate one quarter of the pizza."

Yes, the word "re-appointment" can be hyphenated. The prefix "re-" is often hyphenated when it precedes a word that begins with a vowel or when it helps clarify the meaning. In this case, hyphenating "re-appointment" helps distinguish it from the word "appointment" and indicates the action of appointing again.

The term "parent" is not hyphenated when used as a standalone noun. However, it can be hyphenated in compound phrases, such as "parent-teacher conference" or "parent-child relationship," where it modifies another noun. In these cases, the hyphen helps clarify the relationship between the words.

Yes, "year to date" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, as in "year-to-date performance." However, when it appears after the noun, such as "the performance year to date," no hyphens are needed. Always consider the context to determine the correct usage.

In Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the forward slash (/) serves multiple purposes. It is commonly used in URLs to separate different components, such as the protocol, domain, and path to a specific resource. Additionally, the forward slash can indicate division in programming and mathematics, and it is used in file paths to delineate directories and subdirectories in operating systems.

No, "outpatient" is not hyphenated; it is written as a single word. It refers to patients who receive medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital. The term is commonly used in healthcare settings to describe services that do not require an overnight stay.

The hyphen in "re-sign" is used to clarify the meaning of the word, distinguishing it from "resign," which means to quit a position. In this case, "re-sign" indicates the act of signing again, such as renewing a contract. The hyphen helps prevent confusion between the two similar-sounding terms.

The term "third world" is typically not hyphenated when used as a noun or adjective in modern contexts. However, some style guides may allow for "third-world" as an adjective when it precedes a noun, such as "third-world countries." It's important to consider the context and the style guide you are following. In general, it's advisable to use the term "developing countries" for a more accurate and respectful description.

No, "agency wide" does not need a hyphen when used as an adverbial phrase. It should be written as "agency wide" when describing something that applies across an entire agency. However, if used as a compound adjective before a noun, it is typically hyphenated as "agency-wide." For example, you would say "an agency-wide policy."

No, "hand carved" is not hyphenated. It is typically written as two separate words when used as a verb phrase or when it follows a noun, such as in "a hand carved statue." However, when used as a compound adjective directly before a noun, it can be hyphenated as "hand-carved."

The term "double majored" does not need a hyphen when used as a verb phrase, as in "She double majored in biology and chemistry." However, when used as an adjective before a noun, it may be hyphenated, such as in "She is a double-major student." The hyphenation depends on the context of its usage.

The word "retake" is not hyphenated; it is written as a single word. It refers to the act of taking something again, such as a test or a photograph. Hyphenation is not necessary in this case, as "retake" is a standard compound verb in English.

Yes, "part-time" is hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun, as in "part-time job." However, when used as a noun or adverb, it is typically written as two separate words, such as "She works part time."

The term "upper class" typically does not require a hyphen when used as a noun or adjective in most contexts, such as "the upper class" or "upper class citizens." However, it can be hyphenated as "upper-class" when used as a compound adjective directly before a noun, for example, "upper-class families." Always consider the context to determine if hyphenation is necessary.

No, "kick around" does not have a hyphen. It is typically used as a phrasal verb meaning to discuss or consider something informally. However, if used as a compound adjective before a noun, it may be hyphenated as "kick-around ideas."

No, "year long" is not hyphenated when used as an adverbial phrase, such as "The project will last year long." However, when used as a compound adjective before a noun, it should be hyphenated, as in "a year-long project."

No, "nonconcur" is not hyphenated. It is a single word that means to disagree or not to concur. In general, prefixes like "non-" are typically combined with the root word without a hyphen, unless clarity requires it.

When filing a hyphenated name alphabetically, you typically treat the entire hyphenated name as a single unit. For example, if you have "Smith-Jones," you would file it under "S" for "Smith" rather than separating it into "Smith" and "Jones." In cases where the hyphenated name is part of a larger name, you still prioritize the first part of the hyphenated name for alphabetical order.

Yes, "short-lived" is hyphenated. The hyphen connects the two words to create a compound adjective that describes something that has a brief duration. Using the hyphen clarifies that "short" modifies "lived" together, rather than suggesting a separate meaning for each word.