The hyphen is one of the most frequently used punctuation marks in English, yet it can often be misunderstood or misused. Hyphens serve specific purposes, primarily connecting words or parts of words to clarify meaning. However, they should not be confused with dashes, which serve a different function. In this blog post, we will explore the various uses of hyphens, when to use them, when to avoid them, and how they differ from dashes, all while focusing on British English rules.
What is a Hyphen?
A hyphen (-) is a short horizontal line used to join words or parts of words together. Unlike a dash, which is longer and used to separate ideas or clauses, the hyphen’s primary function is to combine words to create compound terms or to break a word at the end of a line.
When to Use Hyphens
Compound Words
One of the most common uses of a hyphen is to join two or more words to form compound terms. These words function together as a single idea, and the hyphen is used to show that the words are connected.
Examples:
- Well-known
- High-quality
- Family-friendly
These compounds often act as adjectives before a noun, helping clarify meaning. For example, well-known artist tells the reader that the artist is famous, while well known without a hyphen would function differently in a sentence like The artist is well known.
Compound Numbers
Hyphens are used in numbers between twenty-one and ninety-nine when written out in full. This rule applies regardless of where the number appears in the sentence.
Examples:
- Thirty-two students attended the lecture.
- My grandfather is eighty-five years old.
Fractions
Fractions written out in text are hyphenated when used as adjectives, but not when used as nouns.
Examples:
- A two-thirds majority (adjective)
- I ate two thirds of the cake (noun)
Prefixes
Hyphens are often used when adding prefixes to certain words. This is typically to avoid awkward spelling or to clarify meaning.
Examples:
- Re-enter (to avoid confusion with reenter, which may be misread as “ree-nter”)
- Co-worker (to avoid confusion with coworker)
Note: Not all words with prefixes require hyphenation. In fact, many compound words have evolved to no longer need hyphens, such as email (originally e-mail).
Compound Adjectives
Hyphens are used when two or more words function together as a single adjective before a noun. This prevents ambiguity and makes the meaning of the phrase clearer.
Examples:
- A well-designed plan
- A low-cost solution
However, when the adjective comes after the noun, the hyphen is usually dropped.
Example:
- The solution is low cost.
Avoiding Ambiguity
Hyphens are essential in avoiding confusion, particularly with words that could otherwise be misinterpreted. The following examples illustrate how hyphenation changes the meaning:
Examples:
- A man-eating shark (a shark that eats people) vs A man eating shark (a man who is eating a shark)
- Recover (to get better) vs Re-cover (to cover again)
At the End of a Line
Hyphens are used to break a word at the end of a line in justified text, especially in printed materials. This prevents unsightly gaps in the text and helps with the flow of reading. However, this usage is less common in digital content where text can be easily adjusted for screen size.
When Not to Use Hyphens
While hyphens are useful, overuse or incorrect use can make writing clunky or confusing. Here are a few instances where hyphens are often mistakenly added:
After Adverbs Ending in -ly
Compound adjectives that start with an adverb ending in -ly do not require a hyphen. The adverb and adjective work together without the need for punctuation.
Examples:
- A highly anticipated event
- A beautifully written novel
With Compound Nouns
Many compound nouns do not need hyphenation as they are recognised as single words, especially in modern English. For example, bookstore and bedroom were once hyphenated but no longer require it.
In Names
While double-barrelled surnames (e.g., Smith-Jones) are hyphenated, first names and titles are not typically hyphenated unless part of an official name. Additionally, possessive nouns do not require hyphenation when showing possession.
Example:
- John’s car (not John-s car)
Hyphens vs Dashes: Don’t Confuse Them!
Hyphens are often confused with dashes, but they have entirely different functions. Dashes should not be used in place of hyphens, and vice versa. Using the wrong punctuation mark can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of your writing. There are two types of dashes commonly used in English: the en dash (–) and the em dash (—).
Hyphen (-)
The hyphen joins words together, as discussed above, to create compounds or clarify meaning.
Example:
- Twenty-five
En Dash (–)
The en dash, slightly longer than the hyphen, is primarily used to show ranges of numbers, dates, or time. It can also connect related items.
Examples:
- 1999–2003
- The London–Paris train service
Em Dash (—)
The em dash, longer than both the hyphen and en dash, is used to add emphasis or break up a sentence. It can act as a stronger form of the comma or parentheses.
Example:
- The conference—which was supposed to end at 5 pm—was extended by two hours.
The Evolution of Hyphen Use
Hyphenation rules have evolved over time, especially as more compound words become standardised. Words like email and online were once written with a hyphen (e-mail, on-line), but over time, these words have dropped the hyphen as their usage has become more common. In British English, some words retain their hyphen longer than in American English, but the overall trend is towards simplification.
For instance, words like co-operate and re-educate are still commonly hyphenated in British English, though even these are gradually becoming coalesced as single words in some contexts.
Using Hyphens With Precision
Whether you are creating compound words, connecting adjectives and nouns, or indicating number ranges, understanding the hyphen rules is essential. By incorporating hyphens effectively, you not only adhere to grammatical conventions but also ensure that your message is communicated with the intended meaning.
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