Hyphens

Hyphens

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When to Use Hyphens

A hyphen should be used to signal:

• A half finished word

• An abrupt end to a sentence which then is not continued

Example: "For examp-"

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When NOT to Use Hyphens

Hyphens should not be used:

• Parenthetically (use dashes or commas instead)

• In cases where the speaker carries on their thoughts

They are reserved for abrupt end to words or sentences.

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Key Distinctions

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Hyphen (-) vs Dash (–)

• Hyphen (-): For cut-off words or compound words

• Dash (–): For parenthetical thoughts or longer pauses

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Examples

Correct hyphen usage:

• "I think we should go to the meet-" [speaker is interrupted]

• "Twenty-five people attended"

• "Well-known author"

Incorrect hyphen usage:

• "I was thinking - and this is important - that we should..." (use dashes)

• "The reason being - if I may say so - is quite complex" (use dashes)

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Compound Words

Use hyphens for compound adjectives before nouns:

• "A well-written report"

• "A five-year-old child"

• "A state-of-the-art facility"

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General Rule

If the word or sentence is cut off abruptly and not continued, use a hyphen. If it's a pause in thought or parenthetical comment, use dashes or other punctuation.