Hyphens (-)

 

When typing a hyphen, use one key stroke (-) to indicate this punctuation.  Be sure to check the dictionary to make sure that the compound words require hyphens because some do not.

·       Division of compound words for describing a noun

Hyphens are used to join two or more words that describe a noun

The nine-year-old boy jumped over the fence.

(Hyphens are used in-between nine, year, and old which describe the noun boy.)

The fish swim upstream through the quickly moving stream. 

(There is no hyphen between quickly and stream because ly adverbs describing a noun do not need one.)

·       Division of words at the end of lines

Hyphens can be used to divide words at the end of lines.  However, the words can be divided only between syllables, and one-syllable words must never be divided.  If you are in doubt, consult a dictionary.

Only 25 divers in her age group qual-

ified for the prestigious competition. 

(As an example, the word qualified has been divided with a hyphen between.)

Many experts believe that drinking te-

a cleanses the body of harmful chemicals. 

(Tea is a one-syllable word, so it cannot be divided.)

·       Division of fractions and numbers

Hyphens are used to indicate fractions and numbers from twenty-one and ninety-nine.

One-third of the class voted for having a pizza party at the end of the semester.  (fraction)

When I arrived at the Social Security Office, twenty-five people were waiting ahead of me.