Hyphenating Words





Prefixes and Suffixes Index

Hyphenating Words :

What is the rule for Hyphenating Words?


Compound adjectives are usually hyphenated. So we have :

  • a high-quality performance


  • a ten-dollar note


  • a blue-eyed boy



    • With multiple compounds, it is usually the first two adjectives or the most adjective-like that are hyphenated. So we have :

  • a deep-seated gravitational slope


  • a high-quality virtuoso performance



    • Note also the pattern :

  • part- and full-time jobs


  • high- and low-tide phenomena



    • However, if adjectives are placed after the verb, they are usually not hyphenated. Compare

  • an out-of-work actor


  • an up-to-date account



  • He was out of work.


  • She was up to date.






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