What is a Hyphen?
A hyphen is a punctuation mark used to join words or parts of words together. It is often used to create compound words, show word breaks, or clarify the meaning of a sentence.
Examples of Hyphens:
- Long-term
- High-school
- Well-being
Hyphens in Compound Words:
Hyphens are commonly used in compound words to connect two or more words that function as a single unit. For example, ‘mother-in-law’ or ‘jack-of-all-trades’.
Hyphens for Word Breaks:
Hyphens can also be used to show word breaks, especially at the end of a line of text in a document or publication. This helps with readability and alignment.
Hyphens for Clarity:
Hyphens are used to clarify the meaning of a sentence, especially when there might be confusion without them. For example, ‘small business owner’ versus ‘small-business owner’.
Case Studies:
In a study conducted by a publishing company, it was found that using hyphens in compound words increased readability and comprehension among readers.
Statistics:
According to a survey of English language teachers, 90% believe that teaching the proper use of hyphens is important for students to master in order to improve their writing skills.
