Dashes Hyphens and Slashes

In the 400 meter dash, athletes start in designated lanes, with each runner remaining in their lane for the entire race. The race begins with a starting gun, and competitors must complete one full lap around the track. Runners are disqualified if they false start or step out of their lane. The winner is determined by the first athlete to cross the finish line.

No, there is no hyphen in "semimonthly." The correct spelling is a single word, used to describe events occurring twice a month.

The term "part-time" is hyphenated when it is used as an adjective before a noun, such as in "part-time job" or "part-time student." However, when used as a noun or adverb, it is typically written as two separate words, as in "She works part time." Always ensure proper usage based on the context in which the term appears.

Yes, "west-southwest" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective to describe direction, such as in "the west-southwest wind." The hyphenation helps clarify that the two words are working together to modify a noun. When used as a standalone term, it does not require hyphenation.

A well-organized database enhances data integrity, ensuring accurate and consistent information storage. It improves efficiency in data retrieval and management, allowing users to quickly access the information they need. Additionally, a structured database minimizes redundancy and potential errors, making maintenance easier and supporting better decision-making processes. Overall, organization in a database contributes to improved performance and reliability in data-driven applications.

No, "note taking" does not have a hyphen between the words. It is typically written as two separate words. However, it can also appear as a compound adjective when used before a noun, such as in "note-taking skills," where it is hyphenated.

The term "nonexempt" is generally not hyphenated in standard usage. It is considered a single, compound adjective that describes employees who are entitled to overtime pay under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). However, style guides may vary, so it's always a good idea to check specific guidelines if you're writing for a particular publication or organization.

No, there is no hyphen in "twenty-first century." When used as an adjective, it is written as "twenty-first," but when referring to the era as a noun, it is simply "twenty-first century" without a hyphen between "twenty" and "first."

Use a hyphen to connect two or more words that function together as a single adjective before a noun, such as "well-known author" or "high-speed train." Additionally, hyphens are used in compound numbers (twenty-one, thirty-five) and to avoid confusion in phrases, like "re-sign" versus "resign." They are also helpful in breaking words at the end of a line. Always check for specific style guides, as hyphenation rules can vary.

No, "mid afternoon" is typically written without a hyphen. It is used as a compound adjective when describing a specific time, such as "mid-afternoon meeting." However, when it stands alone, it remains unhyphenated.

No, "time of day" is not hyphenated. It is a phrase made up of separate words that describe a specific moment within a 24-hour period. Hyphenation is typically used for compound adjectives or when words are combined to create a single concept, which is not the case here.

Yes, "long sought" is typically not hyphenated when used as a phrase, as it functions as a descriptive phrase rather than a compound adjective preceding a noun. For example, you would say "the long sought answer." However, if you were to use it as a compound adjective directly before a noun, you could hyphenate it as "long-sought."

No, "customer focus" does not have a hyphen. It is typically written as two separate words since "customer" acts as a noun modifier for "focus." Hyphens are generally used to connect words that function together as a single concept, but in this case, the phrase is clear without one.

Yes, hyphens are used to join words together to create compound terms, such as "well-known" or "mother-in-law." They can also connect prefixes to words, like "pre-existing." Additionally, hyphens help clarify meaning and improve readability in complex phrases.

No, "midday" is not hyphenated. It is a compound word that combines "mid" and "day" to refer to the middle of the day. In general, compound words like "midday" are often written without a hyphen once they become widely accepted.

No, "clean energy" is not hyphenated. It is commonly used as two separate words to describe energy sources that are environmentally friendly and have low or no impact on the planet. However, when used as a compound adjective before a noun, it can be hyphenated, as in "clean-energy solutions."

Yes, "community-driven" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "community-driven initiatives." The hyphen helps clarify that "community" modifies "driven" to describe the type of initiative. However, if it follows the noun, as in "The initiatives are community driven," it does not require a hyphen.

No, the word "deescalate" is not hyphenated. It is a single, unhyphenated term commonly used in English to describe the process of reducing the intensity of a conflict or situation. The prefix "de-" combines with "escalate" without the need for a hyphen.

The term "hen house" does not require a hyphen because it is a compound noun made up of two separate words that clearly convey a specific meaning. Hyphens are typically used in compound adjectives before a noun or to prevent ambiguity, but in this case, "hen house" is straightforward. Therefore, it is correct to write it as two words without a hyphen.

If you don't have a forward slash on your keyboard, you can copy and paste one from another source, such as a document or a website. Alternatively, you can use the ASCII code by holding down the Alt key and typing 47 on the numeric keypad. Another option is to use a text replacement feature or a different keyboard layout that includes the character.

The term "pre-school" can be written with or without a hyphen, but "preschool" is increasingly the preferred spelling in modern usage. The hyphenated form is often used to clarify that it refers to education before primary school, while the unhyphenated version has gained popularity in educational contexts. Ultimately, either form is acceptable, but consistency in usage is key.

Yes, "two-and-a-half" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in "two-and-a-half years." However, when it stands alone or follows the noun, it is typically written as "two and a half."

Hops grow on climbing plants known as hop vines, which thrive in temperate climates. They are typically cultivated in well-drained soil and require support structures, such as trellises, to climb. Major hop-growing regions include the Pacific Northwest of the United States, particularly Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, as well as parts of Germany, the Czech Republic, and New Zealand. The plants require a period of dormancy in winter and flourish in the spring and summer months.

No, you do not put a hyphen between the words "time interval." The term is typically written as two separate words. Hyphens are generally used to connect words that function together as a single adjective before a noun, but "time interval" does not fit that scenario.

Hyphen notation is a way of representing numbers, particularly in the context of identifying a range or a sequence. It uses a hyphen to connect two numbers, indicating that all values between them are included, such as in "5-10," which signifies the numbers 5 through 10. This notation is commonly used in various fields, including mathematics, statistics, and grading systems. It provides a concise way to express intervals or sets of values.