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Hyphenating Between Words

Many of us get confused about when to hyphenate between words. For example, should you write nearly-extinct wolves or nearly extinct wolves?

Nearly answers how close to extinct wolves are/were. Adverbs answer the questions how, where, and when.

Adverbs do not get attached to adjectives with hyphens. Therefore, the adverb nearly, like most ly words, does not get hyphenated.

Only compound adjectives–adjectives that act as one idea with other adjectives–get hyphenated in front of nouns.

Example: The crowd threw out the barely edible cake.
The word barely is an adverb answering how edible the cake was.

Example: newly diagnosed disease
The word newly is an adverb answering when.

Example: We live in a two-story building.
The word two does not answer how, when, or where. It is acting as one idea with story to describe the noun building. Therefore, two-story is a compound adjective requiring a hyphen.

Example: The announcer offered a blow-by-blow description of the boxers’ punches.
Blow-by-blow is acting as one idea. Therefore, it is a compound adjective.

Example: Our building is two stories.
When the description follows the noun, do not hyphenate.

Due to the E-Newsletter's large readership, please submit your English usage questions through GrammarBook.com's "Grammar Blog."


Pop Quiz

Select the correct answer:

1A. The passage of Halley's comet is a rarely seen event.
1B. The passage of Halley's comet is a rarely-seen event.

2A. Halley's comet is the only naked eye comet that might appear twice in a lifetime.
2B. Halley's comet is the only naked-eye comet that might appear twice in a lifetime.

3A. Teresa got a bargain on a slightly used purse at the thrift store.
3B. Teresa got a bargain on a slightly-used purse at the thrift store.


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Wordplay

Is proofreading a dying art?
Here are some headlines sent in by alert readers.

Kids Make Nutritious Snacks

Local High School Dropouts Cut in Half

Hospital Sued by 7 Foot Doctors


Pop Quiz Answers

1A. The passage of Halley's comet is a rarely seen event.
2B. Halley's comet is the only naked-eye comet that might appear twice in a lifetime.
3A. Teresa got a bargain on a slightly used purse at the thrift store.


68 One-Minute English Usage Videos

English In A Snap: 68 One-Minute English Usage Videos FREE 

Learn all about who and whom, affect and effect, subjects and verbs, adjectives and adverbs, commas, semicolons, quotation marks, and much more by just sitting back and enjoying these easy-to-follow lessons. Tell your colleagues (and boss), children, teachers, and friends. Click here to watch.


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