Dashes Hyphens and Slashes

A dash sign typically appears as a horizontal line that is longer than a hyphen. There are different types of dashes, including the en dash (–), which is about the width of a capital letter "N," and the em dash (—), which is roughly the width of a capital letter "M." Both are used in writing to create breaks in thought or to set off clauses.

No, "three story house" should not be hyphenated. It is correctly written as "three-story house" when used as a compound adjective before a noun. The hyphen is necessary to clarify that "three-story" describes the type of house.

"Showfloor" is commonly written as one word, particularly in contexts related to events, exhibitions, or trade shows. However, some may also use it as two words ("show floor"). The usage can vary depending on the style guide or publication, but "showfloor" as a single term is increasingly accepted.

No, "multitasking" does not have a hyphen. It is a compound word formed by combining "multi" and "tasking," and it is commonly written as a single word. Hyphens are typically used in compound adjectives or when clarity is needed, but in this case, "multitasking" is well-established as a standalone term.

"Long term" does not always require a hyphen. When used as a noun or an adjective before a noun (e.g., "long-term goals"), it is typically hyphenated. However, when used as an adverb phrase (e.g., "investing for the long term"), it does not need a hyphen.

Yes, there is a hyphen in "fifty-nine." When writing out compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine, a hyphen is used to connect the two parts of the number. Therefore, it is correct to write it as "fifty-nine."

No, "game changer" does not need a hyphen when used as a noun or adjective. It is typically written as two separate words, as in "He is a game changer in the industry." However, if used in a compound adjective before a noun, it can be hyphenated as in "game-changing technology."

Yes, hyphens can be used in idioms, particularly when they help clarify meaning or improve readability. However, it's important to use them correctly and consistently. For example, "run-of-the-mill" is a hyphenated idiom that means something is average or ordinary. Overall, whether to use hyphens depends on the specific idiom and the context in which it is used.

No, "full spectrum" is not hyphenated when used as a noun phrase. However, it can be hyphenated as "full-spectrum" when used as an adjective before a noun, such as in "full-spectrum lighting." The hyphen helps clarify that "full" modifies "spectrum" together as a single descriptive term.

Yes, there is a hyphen between "non" and "melodic" when used as a prefix. The correct term is "non-melodic." The hyphen helps clarify that "non" negates the adjective "melodic," indicating something that lacks melody.

No, "reassigned" does not need to be hyphenated. The prefix "re-" is commonly used with verbs and is typically not hyphenated unless it precedes a proper noun or creates confusion. Therefore, "reassigned" is correctly written as one word.

"Dress-up" is typically hyphenated when used as a noun or adjective, such as in "dress-up party" or "dress-up clothes." However, when used as a verb, it is written as two separate words: "dress up." The hyphenation helps clarify the meaning in certain contexts.

No, "well liked" does not need a hyphen. It is an adjective phrase where "well" modifies "liked," and they are commonly used together without a hyphen. Hyphens are typically used in compound adjectives that precede a noun, but in this case, "well liked" is used as a predicate adjective or after the noun.

Yes, "result-oriented" is typically hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "result-oriented approach." The hyphen helps clarify that the two words work together to modify the noun.

No, "world leader" is not hyphenated. It is typically written as two separate words when used as a noun phrase. However, if used as a compound adjective before a noun, it can be hyphenated as "world-leader status."

The hyphen in "co-operative" is used to indicate that the word is a compound term, combining "co" (meaning together or jointly) with "operative." This hyphen helps clarify pronunciation and emphasizes the collaborative nature of the concept, which refers to an organization or business owned and operated by its members for their mutual benefit. In some regions, it may also appear as "cooperative" without the hyphen, but both forms convey the same meaning.

No, hyphens are not used in word fractions like "one fifth" or "two fourths." These fractions are typically written as two separate words. However, when used as adjectives before a noun, they can be hyphenated, as in "one-fifth of the cake."

No, "end stage" is not hyphenated when used as a noun or adjective phrase. It typically appears as two separate words, such as in "end stage cancer." However, if used as a compound adjective before a noun, it can be hyphenated, as in "end-stage treatment." Always consider the context in which it is used.

No, "life size" is not hyphenated when used as a noun or an adverb. However, when it functions as an adjective before a noun, it is commonly hyphenated as "life-size." For example, you would say "a life-size statue" but "the statue is life size."

You should hyphenate "set up" when it is used as a compound adjective before a noun, as in "set-up process" or "set-up fee." However, when used as a verb phrase, such as "I will set up the meeting," it should not be hyphenated. Always consider the context to determine the correct form.

Yes, "cross-category" is typically hyphenated when used as an adjective to describe something that spans multiple categories, such as in "cross-category marketing." The hyphen helps clarify that the words work together to modify the noun that follows. However, when used as a noun or in other contexts, it may not require a hyphen, so it's best to consider the specific usage.

Yes, in many places, parents can legally kick their 17-year-old out, but it often depends on local laws regarding minors and parental rights. However, it's important to consider the emotional and practical implications of such a decision. Alternatives like family counseling or mediation might be more beneficial for both the parent and the teenager. Additionally, laws can vary, so it's advisable to consult legal guidance before taking action.

No, "vice principal" is not hyphenated. It is a commonly accepted term used to refer to a school administrator who assists the principal. Hyphenation is generally unnecessary in this case, as "vice" functions as a prefix rather than a compound adjective.

Yes, "nonemployee" should be written as one word without a hyphen. In general, prefixes like "non-" are typically combined with the following word to form a single term. However, it's always a good idea to consult specific style guides, as preferences may vary.

No, the word "mixed up" does not need a hyphen when used as a phrasal adjective or verb. It is typically written as two separate words. However, if you use it as a compound adjective before a noun, you might see it hyphenated as "mixed-up," such as in "a mixed-up situation."