Hyphen — Definition, Uses, and Examples
What is a hyphen?
A hyphen is a punctuation mark indicated by a short dash that joins separate words or syllables. Their main purpose is to indicate a connection between the words/parts of words. They also help avoid confusion or ambiguity within a sentence.
When using a hyphen, writers should place it directly between letters with no spaces.
Hyphens should not be confused with the two other types of dashes: en dash and em dash.
En dash is a slightly longer than a hyphen and it indicates the following:
Range of numbers, dates, or times
Point-based scores or results of a contest
Conflict or connection
Compound adjectives
Em dash is longer than both a hyphen and an en dash. The em dash can take the place of the commas, parentheses, and colons.
When taking the place of commas or parentheses, the em dash sets off extra information.
Like a colon, the em dash can introduce a clause that expands upon what preceded it.
When to use a hyphen
There are several rules on when and how to use a hyphen.
Hyphenate two or more adjectives that precede a noun and act as a single idea.
ten-foot ceiling
well-behaved pet
Compound nouns and compound verbs are two smaller words combined to create a word with a new meaning and should contain a hyphen if they do not create a single word.
Hyphenated compound words: mother-in-law, long-term, merry-go-round
Non-hyphenated compound words: bookcase, moonlight, firefly
When connecting two or more compound adjectives, replace repeated words, prefixes, or suffixes with a hyphen.
short- and long-term
full- or part-time
Three prefixes almost always require a hyphen – self-, ex-, and all-.
self-serving
ex-boyfriend
all-encompassing
Prefixes that precede a proper noun or number should include a hyphen as well
pro-American (proper noun)
mid-1990s (number)
Use a hyphen if the prefix ends and the base word starts with the same vowel
re-elect
anti-inflammatory
Three common suffixes are almost always hyphenated:
president-elect, senator-elect
oil-based, water-based
sugar-free, fat-free
When using words to write out compound numbers, twenty-one to ninety-nine should include a hyphen.
thirty-four
forty-fifth
Always include a hyphen when using words to write out a fraction.
one-half
two-thirds
A hyphen can change the meaning of a word; therefore, adding one can help a writer's clarity.
Re-signed vs. resigned – As a hyphenated word, it means to sign again; without a hyphen, the word can mean to quit or give in to something.
Hyphen examples
The following sentences incorporate the various uses of the hyphen:
Adjectives
Those are beautiful-looking flowers in front of the house.
We found a dark-green jacket on the bench.
As a full-time employee, Ted earns a higher salary.
Compound Words
The organization wanted a long-term solution to combat climate change.
Please keep me up-to-date on the patient's status.
Check-in time isn't until 3:00 pm.
Suspended Hyphens
The homeowner wasn’t sure if he should choose a long- or short-term loan.
After a long year, the employee needed a one- to two-week vacation.
Leo wasn't sure if he wanted a two- or four-door car.
Prefixes
Gina typically uses the self-service option when washing her car.
The group found the movement to be pro-American.
James was considered the pre-eminent chef in New York City.
Suffixes
After the New Year, the president-elect will be sworn into office.
Lori is much more comfortable with air-based travel than with water-based.
The money Stephen won was tax-free.
Compound Numbers
Dani graduated college as a twenty-two-year-old.
We celebrated my grandfather's eighty-fifth birthday last weekend.
This will be the thirty-fifth game played at the new baseball stadium.
Fractions
Approximately three-fourths of the Earth is covered by water.
Two-thirds of the students wanted their high school graduation ceremony to be outside.
After splitting the candy bar, Tara gave one-fourth to her brother and one-fourth to her sister.
Clarity
Hank re-covered the pot so the food would stay warm.
They were able to re-create the conditions needed for the experiment.
The team re-signed their starting quarterback at the end of the season.