How To Use The Hyphen In English Writing / Advanced Writing Tips

Welcome back, my fellow language enthusiasts! In this video, we're going to delve into the fascinating world of hyphens in English writing. Now, I know what you're thinking - "Who needs hyphens? They're hardly used in spoken English!" Well, my friend, it's important to understand the ins and outs of hyphen usage, especially since it can be perplexing for both English learners and native speakers alike. So, let's dive in and demystify the hyphen, but first, a quick lesson on distinguishing the hyphen from its close relatives: the dash.

The Difference Between Hyphens and Dashes

In English writing, we encounter two different types of dashes - the N Dash and the M Dash. Don't worry; their names might sound daunting, but they're actually quite simple to understand. The N Dash derives its name from its width, which matches the letter "n." On the other hand, the M Dash gets its moniker from its width, which is equivalent to the letter "m."

Now, you may wonder how we use these dashes. The N Dash is handy for indicating a range. For instance, if we want to express "Monday to Friday," we can simply use an N Dash between the two days. On the other hand, the M Dash is a versatile punctuation mark that can serve as an alternative to commas, parentheses, or even brackets. However, it's worth noting that the M Dash is better suited for informal writing like letters or articles, rather than formal compositions such as academic papers.

But enough about dashes, let's talk hyphens!

Unraveling the Secrets of Hyphenated Words

Hyphens play a crucial role in compound words - words formed by combining two or more separate words. However, it's not as straightforward as it seems. Compound words come in three different forms: open compound words, hyphenated compound words, and closed compound words.

Open compound words are two or more words that occur side by side without a hyphen or being fused into one. Examples of open compound words include "high school," "web page," "living room," and "prime minister." These words don't use hyphens, despite their structural unity.

Closed compound words are, well, the exact opposite. They appear as a single word and have evolved from separate words. At some point in history, they may have been hyphenated but have now come together as one entity. Examples of closed compound words include "pigeonhole," "chickpea," "daylight," "barefoot," and "desktop." Although they now exist as one word, it's crucial to remember their hyphenated past.

The Ever-Changing World of Hyphenated Compound Words

Moving on to the main focus of our discussion: hyphenated compound words. While closed compound words become complete, fused units, hyphenated compound words can be somewhat fluid in their evolution. They might retain the hyphen forever, revert to separate words, or even merge into a single unhyphenated word over time. The future is unpredictable!

Some commonly seen hyphenated compound words include "short-term," "long-term," "word-of-mouth," "far-fetched," "up-to-date," "know-how," and various in-law relationships like "mother-in-law," "brother-in-law," and "sister-in-law." Keep in mind, this is by no means an exhaustive list, and the ever-evolving nature of language means that change is always on the horizon.

Other Hyphen Usage Rules to Keep in Mind

Hyphens have other important applications beyond compound words. For instance, they come in handy when dealing with compound adjectives that involve numbers. Here are some examples to illustrate the point: the "four-year-old girl," the "six-week course," and the "eight-hour working day." Pay attention to how the numbers and adjectives are hyphenated to convey their combined meaning.

Certain prefixes also require hyphens in specific instances. Keep in mind that not all prefixes demand this punctuation mark. However, when you encounter the prefixes "self-," "X-," or "all-," be sure to add the hyphen. Examples include "self-centered," "self-taught," "self-study," "ex-wife," "ex-husband," "ex-president," "all-knowing," "all-inclusive," and "all-purpose." Remember, mastering these hyphenated prefixes will enhance your writing prowess.

Oh, and let's not forget about numbers. When writing numbers from 21 to 99, make sure to include the hyphen. For example, "twenty-one," "sixty-four," and "ninety-nine" all require this little dash to signal their combined value. However, once you reach triple digits, the hyphen is no longer necessary.

Lastly, hyphens can be a savior when it comes to avoiding confusion. Some words might cause ambiguity if not correctly hyphenated. Words like "coordinate," "cooperation," and "recollect" might be misread or mispronounced without hyphens. By using the hyphen in "co-, "re-, and "co-," we avoid any potential confusion between them and other words. For example, "re-sign" (to sign again) is distinct from "resign" (to quit). Similarly, "re-collect" (to collect again) differs from "recollect" (to remember). Remember, clarity is key!

Wrapping Up the Hyphen Adventure

Ah, my friends, we have reached the end of our hyphen journey. Remember, while there might not be set rules for hyphen usage, understanding compound words and their various forms can significantly improve your writing skills. Just like learning any aspect of a language, practice and exposure to a wide array of sources will help you master hyphenation.

Thank you for embarking on this adventure with me, and until next time, keep exploring the intricate world of the English language!