Dashes Hyphens and Slashes

The term "built-in" is hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun, as in "built-in features." However, when used as a noun or after a verb, it is typically not hyphenated, such as in "The features are built in."

Yes, "know-how" is hyphenated. It is a compound noun that refers to practical knowledge or expertise in a particular area. When used in a sentence, it is typically written with the hyphen to indicate the combined meaning of the two words.

No, "great-grandchildren" is a hyphenated word. The hyphens are used to connect the components "great" and "grand" to indicate that it refers to the grandchildren of one's grandparents. This hyphenation helps clarify the relationship and ensures proper interpretation of the term.

The term "great-grandfather" should be hyphenated. The hyphen is used to connect the prefix "great" to "grandfather," clarifying that it refers to the grandfather of one's parent, rather than suggesting a separate term or title. Therefore, it is correct to write it as "great-grandfather."

Hyphens are used to join words or parts of words together, such as in compound adjectives (e.g., "well-known author") and to avoid ambiguity (e.g., "re-sign" vs. "resign"). They are also used in certain numerical expressions (e.g., "twenty-four") and to separate syllables of a word at the end of a line. Additionally, hyphens can be used in prefixes before proper nouns or in compound nouns (e.g., "anti-American").

No, the term "street signs" does not have a hyphen. In this case, "street" functions as an adjective describing the noun "signs," and there is no need for a hyphen between them. Hyphens are typically used to connect words that form a single idea or to clarify meaning, but "street signs" is clear without one.

Yes, the term "market-driven" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun. For example, you would say "market-driven policies." However, if it follows the noun, such as "the policies are market driven," it does not require a hyphen.

"Set up" is typically not hyphenated when used as a verb (e.g., "I will set up the meeting"). However, it can be hyphenated as "set-up" when used as a noun or adjective (e.g., "The set-up was complicated"). Context determines the correct usage.

No, "multiple choice tests" is not hyphenated. The term "multiple choice" functions as a compound adjective describing the noun "tests," but they are typically written as two separate words when used in this context. However, if used as a compound adjective before a noun, it would be hyphenated, as in "multiple-choice tests."

To break a hyphen in a word, you typically need to split the word into two parts at the hyphenated point when it appears at the end of a line. In most typesetting and word processing software, this is automatically handled when you enable hyphenation. If you're manually breaking a hyphenated word, ensure that the break occurs at a natural syllable boundary, maintaining the readability of both parts.

The term "stepsibling" is typically written as one word without a hyphen. However, "step-sibling" with a hyphen is also acceptable and used by some. Both forms are recognized, but "stepsibling" is more commonly used in modern writing.

The hyphen notation for silicon is written as Si-28, indicating its most stable and abundant isotope with a mass number of 28. This notation reflects the element's symbol (Si) followed by a hyphen and the mass number, which is the sum of protons and neutrons in the nucleus. Silicon has other isotopes as well, but Si-28 is the most commonly referenced.

The words "off duty" are hyphenated as "off-duty" when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "an off-duty officer." However, when used as a predicate or after a noun, they remain separate, as in "The officer was off duty."

A hyphen is used in writing to connect words or parts of words, particularly in compound adjectives before nouns (e.g., "well-known author") and to join numbers or fractions (e.g., "twenty-three" or "one-third"). It can also be used to avoid ambiguity, as in "re-sign" (to sign again) versus "resign" (to quit). When using hyphens, it's important to ensure clarity and consistency, avoiding overuse.

No, "non dairy" is not typically hyphenated. It is considered correct to write it as "nondairy" when used as an adjective, such as in "nondairy milk." However, in some contexts, particularly when used in a more general sense, it may appear as "non-dairy." The preferred form can vary, so it's best to consult specific style guides if needed.

Yes, "spiritually based" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective preceding a noun. For example, in the phrase "spiritually based practices," the hyphen clarifies that "spiritually" modifies "based," creating a clear and precise description. When the phrase follows the noun, the hyphen is typically not necessary, as in "These practices are spiritually based."

Yes, "year-round" should be hyphenated when used as an adjective to describe something that occurs throughout the entire year. For example, you would say "year-round activities" or "year-round service." However, when used as an adverb, it can be written as two separate words, such as "available year round."

"Low risk" requires a hyphen when it functions as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "low-risk investment." The hyphen helps clarify that "low" modifies "risk" as a single concept rather than suggesting that "risk" is low. However, when used after the noun, as in "the investment is low risk," no hyphen is needed.

A forward slash (/) is commonly used in various contexts, including writing and computing. In text, it often indicates alternatives (e.g., "and/or") or separates items (e.g., dates like "12/31/2023"). In computing, it serves as a directory separator in URLs and file paths, as well as in programming languages for comments or division operations. Additionally, it's used in fractions to denote division, such as "1/2."

Yes, "handheld" typically does not require a hyphen when used as an adjective to describe devices like "handheld device" or "handheld console." However, "hand-held" with a hyphen is also acceptable in some contexts, particularly when used as a verb or for emphasis. Ultimately, consistency is key, so it's best to choose one form and use it throughout your writing.

Yes, "sweet-smelling" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "a sweet-smelling flower." The hyphen helps clarify that the two words work together to describe the noun. However, if it appears after the noun, as in "the flower is sweet smelling," the hyphen is not necessary.

Yes, "cross-training" is typically hyphenated when used as a compound adjective to describe a type of training that incorporates various fitness disciplines. However, when used as a noun, it is often written as one word without a hyphen (e.g., "I enjoy cross training"). The hyphen helps clarify the relationship between the words in specific contexts.

The proper term for a forward slash is simply "slash." It is also referred to as a "solidus" in certain contexts, particularly in typography and mathematics. The forward slash is commonly used in web addresses, file paths, and to indicate division in mathematical expressions.

Yes, "short term" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, as in "short-term goals." However, when it follows the noun, it should be written as two separate words, such as "goals for the short term."

Yes, "in-depth" is hyphenated when used as an adjective to describe something that is thorough and comprehensive, such as an "in-depth analysis." When used as an adverb or in other contexts, it may not be hyphenated, for example, "the research went in depth." Always consider the grammatical context to determine the correct usage.