When should you use a hyphen?
To be honest, English isn’t my best subject. I’m a freshman in high school, and in my ninth-grade English class, I ended up with a B/C (around a B-). One of the reasons my grade wasn’t higher is because of my inconsistent grammar. So, I would appreciate it if someone could clarify how to properly use a hyphen.
Ugh, who allowed Colleen Ballinger to come to my school?
My teacher is a bit too friendly. I didn’t have much of a connection with my male arts teacher until one day, after finals, I was walking to the canteen when he stopped to say hello. We had a brief chat, and from then on, every time I passed him in the hallway, he would […]
I’m seeking some advice… During my second block class (my school follows a 4-block schedule), I find it hard to concentrate on my Algebra 2 teacher. I often drift off into my own world, watching YouTube or scrolling through my phone, even though state rules prohibit phone use during class. It’s gotten to the point […]
No problem! Hyphens can be tricky, but once you understand their main uses, you’ll feel more confident using them. Here are some common situations where you should use a hyphen:
A high-speed chase
Compound Numbers: When writing out numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine, hyphens are used. For example:
Fifty-five
Word Breaks: If a word needs to be divided at the end of a line, you use a hyphen to indicate that it continues on the next line. Make sure to break it at a natural syllable division.
Certain Prefixes: Some prefixes require a hyphen when they attach to a word, especially if it prevents confusion or helps clarify meaning. For example:
Anti-inflammatory
Avoiding Ambiguity: A hyphen can sometimes help avoid confusion. For example:
Remember that not all compound words need a hyphen, especially when they become widely accepted as single words (like “notebook”).
It’s great that you’re seeking help on your grammar; practice will help you improve! If you have specific sentences in mind, feel free to ask!