Question

Ordinarily a hyphen is not used to join a prefix to a word. Exceptions are as follows:

Use a hyphen after any prefix joined to a proper noun or a proper adjective. Also use a
hyphen after the prefixes all-, ex- (meaning "former"), and self- joined to any noun or
adjective.
pro-Canadian
ex-governor
all-knowing
self-awareness
Generally, hyphens are used to avoid confusion, such as between words beginning with
re- that could be mistaken for another word different in meaning and pronunciation. Also
use a hyphen to separate the prefix anti- when it joins a word beginning with i-. Always
hyphenate the prefix vice- and any succeeding word, except in vice president.
re-creation of a historical scene
anti-industrialism
Use a hyphen in a compound adjective that precedes a noun. When compound adjectives
beginning with well, ill, or little are modified by an adverb, they are usually not
outdoor recreation
vice-mayor
hyphenated. An expression made up of an adverb ending in -ly and an adjective is not
hyphenated.
a dark-colored hat
a well-known musician
a poorly written play
The hat was dark colored.
a very well known musician
a tightly packed container
Hyphenate any spelled-out cardinal or ordinal number up to ninety-nine or ninety-ninth.
Hyphenate a fraction used as an adjective (but not one used as a noun).
a two-thirds vote
two thirds of the voters
Hyphenate two numerals to indicate a span. When you use the word from before a span,
use to rather than a hyphen. When you use between, use and.
pages 568-643
from 1914 to 1918
1914-1918
between 12:00 and 1:45
In general divide words at the ends of lines between syllables or pronounceable parts.
Consult a dictionary if necessary.
light-ning
clip-per
sell-ing
tast-ier
4. smoothest
5. boastful
6. whisper
scorn-ful
Exercise 1 Draw a slash through each word where it should be divided at the end of a line.
correct
1. access
2. stopping
3. shorter
Unit

Answer 1

Hyphens are utilized to join words creating compound modifiers, avoid confusion, and clarify meaning, especially before a noun. Prefixes joined with nouns, particularly proper nouns, often require hyphenation. Dashes emphasize text, while parentheses provide supplementary details.

Hyphens in English Grammar

Hyphens are used in English grammar to join words and to separate syllables within a word. They serve various purposes such as creating compound modifiers and avoiding confusion. For example, a well-known author implies that the author is widely recognized, while a chocolate-covered peanut is a peanut coated in chocolate. Notice that when the modifier comes before the noun, it is usually hyphenated.

When prefixes are added to words or proper nouns, hyphens can clarify meaning or modify tone. For example, pro-Canadian signals support for Canadian interests, while ex-governor indicates someone who formerly held the governor's office. Similarly, the prefix self- attached to any noun or adjective, such as self-aware, is always hyphenated. It's important to remember the assimilation process as well, where prefixes like ad-, com-, and in- may change form when added to certain words, for example, adhering to ar-, cor-, and ir- respectively before a stem starting with an 'r'.

We use dashes to add emphasis to a portion of text, whereas parentheses are used to de-emphasize or convey additional information that's less crucial to the main point. For example, an appositive phrase set off by dashes can provide important clarification and emphasis.