Dashes Hyphens and Slashes

The prefix "non" should be hyphenated when it precedes a proper noun or when it helps clarify the meaning of the word it modifies. For example, "non-English" is hyphenated to specify that it refers to something not related to the English language. In contrast, "nonprofit" is typically written as one word without a hyphen. Always consider clarity and readability when deciding whether to hyphenate.

The term "rollout" is typically written as a single word without a hyphen when referring to the launch or introduction of a product, service, or initiative. However, "roll out" as a verb phrase (e.g., "to roll out a new feature") is written as two separate words. Therefore, the hyphenation depends on the context in which the term is used.

When filing hyphenated names, consider the first part of the hyphenated name as the primary reference. For example, "Smith-Jones" would typically be filed under "Smith." In cases where the names are alphabetically similar, the second part can be used as a tiebreaker. Always follow any specific filing guidelines relevant to your organization or system.

Yes, "half-million" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as "a half-million dollars." The hyphen helps clarify that the terms are linked together to describe a single quantity. However, when used as a noun on its own, it can be written without a hyphen, as in "The project cost half a million."

No, "outcomes focused" is not typically hyphenated. It is commonly written as two separate words. However, in some contexts where it serves as a compound adjective before a noun, you might see it hyphenated as "outcomes-focused."

No, "son-in-law" is hyphenated because it is a compound noun that combines three words to describe a specific relationship. The hyphens clarify that the terms are connected and function together as a single concept.

The word "sources" is not typically hyphenated, as it is a single syllable word. If you need to break it at the end of a line, it can be split as "sour-ces," but this is rarely necessary in standard usage. Hyphenation is more common with compound words or when separating syllables for clarity.

No, "wake up" is not hyphenated. It is typically written as two separate words when used as a verb phrase, such as "I need to wake up early." However, when used as a noun or adjective in a compound form, such as "wake-up call," it is hyphenated.

Yes, "multi-purpose room" should be hyphenated. The hyphen connects "multi" and "purpose," indicating that the room serves multiple purposes. Without the hyphen, the meaning may become unclear, as it could be misinterpreted as a room that is simply "multi" and "purpose." Therefore, for clarity and correctness, it's best to use the hyphen.

The village featured in the Morrisons advert is set in the picturesque surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales in England. This location showcases the rural charm and stunning landscapes of the area, aligning with the brand's emphasis on fresh, locally sourced produce. The advert highlights community spirit and the connection to local farmers, enhancing the overall message of supporting British agriculture.

Yes, "one-room schoolhouse" has hyphens. The hyphen is used to connect the words "one" and "room" to indicate that they work together as a single adjective describing the noun "schoolhouse." This formation clarifies that it is a schoolhouse with only one room.

The phrase "per line item" is typically not hyphenated. It is used to describe something that is applicable to each individual line item in a list or account, and the words function together without the need for a hyphen. However, in specific contexts, such as when used as an adjective before a noun, you might see it hyphenated as "per-line-item" for clarity.

Yes, "heart-breaker" is a hyphenated modifier. It combines the words "heart" and "breaker" to create a single adjective that describes someone or something that causes emotional pain or heartbreak. The hyphen helps clarify that the two words work together as one concept.

Yes, "twenty-year" should be hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun. For example, you would say "a twenty-year anniversary." However, if it appears after the noun, such as in "the anniversary is twenty years," then no hyphen is needed.

The phrase "above captioned" is not hyphenated. It is typically written as two separate words. However, if used as a compound adjective before a noun, it can be hyphenated as "above-captioned" to clarify that it describes the noun that follows.

"Look up" is typically not hyphenated when used as a verb phrase, as in "I need to look up the information." However, when used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as "look-up information," it is hyphenated. The context determines whether to hyphenate it or not.

Yes, "well-documented" is hyphenated when used as a compound adjective before a noun. For example, you would say "a well-documented study." However, when used after the noun, it is typically not hyphenated, as in "The study is well documented."

No, "fog laden" is not hyphenated. When used as a compound adjective before a noun, it should be written as "fog-laden." For example, you would say "the fog-laden morning," but not when used after the noun, as in "the morning was fog laden."

No, "half buried" is not hyphenated. In this context, "half" functions as an adverb modifying the adjective "buried." Hyphenation is typically used when combining two words to create a compound adjective before a noun, such as "half-buried treasure." However, when "half buried" stands alone or follows the noun, it remains unhyphenated.

The term "in-state" is hyphenated when used as an adjective to describe residency or tuition status, such as "in-state students." However, when used as an adverbial phrase, it is not hyphenated, as in "students who live in state." Always consider the context to determine whether to hyphenate.

No, the word "midday" is not hyphenated. It is a compound word formed by combining "mid" and "day" to refer to the middle of the day, typically around noon.

A hyphen is not typically used in the word "prerequisite" itself, as it is a single, unhyphenated term. However, hyphens may be used when "prerequisite" is part of a compound adjective. For example, in the phrase "prerequisite course," no hyphen is needed, but if you were to modify it in a sentence like "This is a prerequisite-required course," a hyphen is used to connect the two words for clarity.

When organizing hyphenated last names in alphabetical order, you typically use the first part of the hyphenated name. For example, if the last name is "Smith-Jones," you would alphabetize it under "S" for Smith. If sorting a list of names, treat the hyphenated name as a single entity, prioritizing the first component for sorting purposes.

No, "do-over" is hyphenated. It is a compound noun that refers to an opportunity to redo something, often used in informal contexts such as games or sports. The hyphen helps clarify that the two words function together as a single concept.

No, "re-negotiate" is typically not hyphenated. The correct form is "renegotiate," as it combines the prefix "re-" with the verb "negotiate" into a single word. Hyphenation is generally not necessary when the prefix is commonly used with the root word.