Hyphen
连字符Hyphen
A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that’s used to join words or parts of words.
It’s not interchangeable with other types of dashes.
Use a hyphen in a compound modifier when the modifier comes before the word it’s modifying.
Hyphen with Compound Modifiers: Two-Word Adjectives Before Nouns
A compound modifier is made up of two words that work together to function like one adjective. When you connect words with the hyphen, you make it clear to readers that the words work together as a unit of meaning.
- It’s recommended you don’t take down any load bearing walls when renovating.
- It’s recommended you don’t take down any load-bearing walls when renovating.
- This rock-hard cake is absolutely impossible to eat.
- We’re looking for a dog-friendly hotel.
Generally, you need the hyphen only if the two words are functioning together as an adjective before the noun they’re describing. If the noun comes first, leave the hyphen out.
- This wall is load bearing.
- It’s impossible to eat this cake because it is rock hard.
- Is this hotel dog friendly?
You also don’t need a hyphen when your modifier is made up of an adverb and an adjective.
- Do you expect me to believe this clearly-impossible story?
- Do you expect me to believe this clearly impossible story?
Hyphen With a Noun, Adjective Or Adverb and a Present Participle
When we combine a noun or adjective and a present participle (a word ending in ‑ing) to form a unit of meaning that describes another word, use a hyphen to make that unit of meaning clear.
- There are some beautiful looking flowers in the garden.
- There are some beautiful-looking flowers in the garden.
- Fast-acting medication can be useful when one has a headache.
Don’t use a hyphen when the modifier comes after the noun it’s describing. - This medication is fast acting.
Don’t use a hyphen when you are combining an adverb and a participle.
- The room was like a heavily-decorated chocolate box.
- The room was like a heavily decorated chocolate box.
