Hyphen Punctuation
Learn about the hyphen and its proper usage in English
What Is a Hyphen?
A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark used to join words together, form compound words, and break words at the end of lines. It is shorter than a dash and serves specific grammatical functions. Understanding when to use hyphens helps create clear and properly formatted writing.
Uses of Hyphens
Compound Words
Adjectives
Well-known, up-to-date
Nouns
Mother-in-law, self-esteem
Numbers
Twenty-one, thirty-five
Fractions
Two-thirds, one-half
Prefixes and Suffixes
Common Prefixes
Pre-existing, co-worker
Capital Letters
Pre-World War II
Same Letter
Re-enter, anti-inflammatory
Numbers
Pre-2020, post-9/11
Other Uses
Word Division
Breaking words at line ends
Spelling Out
A-b-c, 1-2-3
Ranges
Pages 1-10, 1990-2000
Phone Numbers
555-123-4567
Hyphen Examples
She is a well-known author. (Compound adjective)
I have twenty-one books. (Number)
The pre-existing condition. (Prefix)
Pages 1-10 contain the introduction. (Range)
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Hyphen Uses
Identify the use of hyphens in each sentence:
She is a well-known author.
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Answer: Compound adjective
I have twenty-one books.
Show Answer
Answer: Number (21-99)
The pre-existing condition.
Show Answer
Answer: Prefix (pre-)
Interactive Quiz 2: Add Hyphens
Add hyphens where needed:
She is a well known author.
Show Answer
Answer: She is a well-known author.
I have twenty one books.
Show Answer
Answer: I have twenty-one books.
The pre existing condition.
Show Answer
Answer: The pre-existing condition.
Interactive Quiz 3: Compound Words
Identify which compound words need hyphens:
1. "up to date" (adjective before noun)
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Answer: up-to-date (hyphenated when used as adjective)
2. "mother in law"
Show Answer
Answer: mother-in-law (always hyphenated)
3. "ice cream" (noun)
Show Answer
Answer: ice cream (no hyphen, open compound)
Interactive Quiz 4: Hyphen Rules
True or False about hyphen usage:
1. Numbers 21-99 are always hyphenated when written as words.
Show Answer
Answer: True
2. All compound words need hyphens.
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Answer: False (some are open, some closed)
3. Prefixes before capital letters need hyphens.
Show Answer
Answer: True
Tips for Using Hyphens
Check the Dictionary
When in doubt, consult a dictionary for compound words.
Numbers 21-99
Always hyphenate numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine.
Prefixes with Capitals
Use hyphens when prefixes come before capital letters.
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Hyphens join words together - they're like glue for compound words!