Hyphens

During writing I have often wondered if and where to insert a hyphen. It usually ends up in the wrong place, but most often I just don't add it. This is due to the fact hat I have know idea where it is suppose to go. In the STMGW it helps us better understand this objective. When using compound adjectives, use a hyphen to join parts that precedes the word not after. For example, after-school activities: Yes, activities after school: No; well-known athlete: Yes, athlete who is well known: No. Add a hyphen to clarify that the words function as a unit.

When two different prefixes or initial words are meant to go with the same second word, use a hyphen and a space at the end of the first prefix or word. Example: Over twenty people crowd the small trauma room, an army of green- and blue-hooded medical personnel.

Compound nouns: Hyphenate fractions, compound numbers (up to ninety-nine). An example would be, Almost two-thirds of women... or The twenty-two year old... You can use a hyphen that begins with self-, ex-, or great-, or ends with -elect, or -in law. Examples would be ex-husband, self-esteem, secretary-elect.

So now that we have an idea of where to insert hyphens, I hope we will be able to find the right place to put them. You can always check the dictionary if you have any doubts.