politics Usually takes a plural verb: His politics are his own business. A comprehensive rundown on the proper use of the hyphen. Do you (Chicago Manual of Style). Quotation Marks. This is a little bit tricky. When two words function together as an adjective, we hyphenate them and call it a compound adjective. For example, you While most of our site should function with out, we recommend turning it back on for a better experience. I must re-press the shirt. Part-time employment also allows for more efficient management of daily tasks like grocery shopping, doing the laundry, and completing other household chores, ultimately resulting in more order at home. (adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({}); Sign up to receive the FREE weekly GrammarBook.com E-Newsletter. Egyptian-German couple Theresa Bachmann and Sabry Abouamiry photographed at home in Berlin. Examples: Will she recover from her illness? Because there are quite a few instances that require you to use a hyphen, and there is not a list of words that you can easily memorize to know for certain, you can perform a simple test to ensure that you use a hyphen when you need to, and skip it when you dont. If you have a hyphen in a headline, is the word after the hyphen capitalized? We should not confuse this with a dash, though both look quite similar. Real time without a hyphen is a noun or, more specifically, an example of two words that function together as a noun phrase. ), Exception: The child is one year old. Part-time is hyphenated when you refer to something doing less than the full amount of time at a particular job or activity. One more way to figure out if you need a hyphen is simply to look at where the phrase is in your sentence or the syntax. 1. Does catch up need a hyphen? Note for Purdue Students: Schedule a consultation at the on-campus writing lab to get more in-depth writing help from one of our tutors. What is a colon and a hyphen? Also, when we are talking about real-time data, were talking about milliseconds, even microseconds which is quite literally as fast and as close as you can get to in the moment.. Youll often hear people use this phrase to refer to the idea that we often spend time with one another in a distracting setting. percent, % Use numerals (with decimals, not fractions, when needed) and spell out percent in running text: a 4 percent increase, a 2.5 percent decrease. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Delivered to your inbox! Rule 9b. Watch the video: Only 1 percent of our visitors get these 3 grammar questions right Full time or Full-time? Rule 2b. If your domain name is two words (like www.examplesite.com), you may want to separate the words with a hyphen for readability: www.example-site.com. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Margie Holds Court Publishing. cooperate. Examples: Youll notice that in these sentences, real-time has a hyphen. Lets break this down further. In general, hyphens are not used between the numeral and the abbreviation or symbol, even when they are in adjectival form. pan- In general, no hyphen when used as a prefix, unless it is followed by a proper name: panchromatic, panhandle; pan-Hellenic. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia? Thus, "The well-played game was well played," and, "The tough-minded executive was tough minded." Rewrite to avoid creating a new word. Last Update: Jan 03, 2023. The correct way to spell real time, with or without a hyphen, depends on your intended meaning and syntax. Customer-friendlycontent is brief, accurate, and to the point. Otherwise, no hyphen: proactive, pronoun. An em-dash may replace commas, semicolons, colons, and parentheses to indicate added emphasis, an interruption, or an abrupt change of thought. If youre scratching your head in confusion, dont worry well get into why that is the case next. National average salary: $38,023 per year. Suspensive hyphenation refers to the use of a hyphen in phrases that function as adjectives or in noun phrases that share common words. Part-time work or a part-time job is a flexible work arrangement which means working less than full-time hours. 1. These programs are often based on simulations of time, meaning that a software program runs utilizing a time system that mirrors what would happen in real life. well-defined schema Youll see why we talk about nouns being required in the sentence to use the hyphen in just a second. The slacker was a video gamer. Theyre usually employed on a permanent basis or on a fixed term contract. However, it seems to have less of a connection to those particular schools of thought currently. a twenty-fifth anniversary full-time job. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. When using numbers, hyphenate spans or estimates of time, distance, or other quantities. Remember, too, that hyphens are not dashes, and they do not function in the same way. When we think about real-time data in the world of technology or computer processing, it means that someone can receive transmitted data, and its available right away there is no pause or need to wait for something to upload or some algorithm to take effect. WebExpert Answers: The term "catch-up" is a hyphenated compound noun as a word for the process of getting even with someone or something, or bringing something up to date or. Many writers forget the second hyphen: Without the second hyphen, the sentence is about an "old child.". Web3. Generally, hyphenate two or more words when they come before a noun they modify and act as a single idea. planning Avoid the redundant future planning. "Hands-on" is a compound adjective, whereas "hands on" is not, it is only a random happening that a noun is placed next to a preposition. The play is second Some familiar phrases may require hyphens. When adding a prefix to a stem word results in a double vowel and each vowel is pronounced, dont use a hyphen. Don't be surprised if none of them want the spotl One goose, two geese. A hyphen is only necessary (real-time) if you are using the term as a compound adjective and, in that case, the purpose is for added clarity. Shes the only part-time employee in the building. Below is an example of real time as part of a noun phrase where the word real is an adjective, but time is a noun. WebAnswer (1 of 3): not a part time job, but when you work part-time. Welcome to Grammarhow!We are on a mission to help you become better at English. Check The American Heritage Dictionary if you're not sure whether the word ending in -ly is an adverb. Thus, "The well-played game was well played," and, "The tough-minded executive was tough minded." But when two words forming a compound adjective follow a noun, generally omit the hyphen. A hyphen is a punctuation mark that looks like a single floating, horizontal line. Very fast test. Examples: Modernist-style paintings Mayor-elect Smith sugar-free soda oil-based sludge. Writers using familiar compound verbs and nouns should consult a dictionary or look online to decide if these verbs and nouns should be hyphenated. Rule 11. WebThe AMA Manual of Style states that the second part of a hyphenated compound should not be capitalized if it is a suffix (e.g., -type, -elect, -designate, -wide), or if both parts together constitute a single word (e.g., Short-term, Follow-up, Low-level).To determine the latter, you need to check if its listed in Merriam-Websters Collegiate Dictionary or Also: corequisite. An em-dash may replace commas, semicolons, colons, and parentheses to indicate added emphasis, an interruption, or an abrupt change of thought. Students learn from partaking in activities rather than passively reading a book or attending a lecture. Well, not exactly. Use a hyphen between a prefix and a stem word: If a confusing word results without the hyphen. Rule 8. Many open noun phrases, when used as verbs, are hyphenated, as is the case with high five, which as a verb is styled high-five. However, double-check such usage, because some hyphenated verb phrases evolve into closed compounds, and leapfrog is one of these that has done so. 3. parttime; half-time; irregular; temporary; odd-job; underemployed. What is the least amount of hours for part time? A suffix (y, er, ism, able, etc.) And if youd like an expert editor to check youve used numbers correctly in writing, why not submit a document for proofreading today? Now, lets try each adjective by itself with the noun youd have either a high gadget or a tech gadget. Rule 1. If you follow a few simple steps, you should be able to figure it out. Uh oh! For example, are newspapers italicized? In general, with physical quantities, use a hyphen when the unit, abbreviation, or symbol is spelled out. WebThe four hyphen rules are as follows: 1. It is grammatically correct, but it may not mean what you think. I was working on my part-time business at the same time as I was taking college c dialog boxtype options. WebThe difference between "hands on" and "hands-on" is obvious and easy to remember. Well, were here to look at the answer and when you might use the phrase with and without a hyphen. Sona Digital Media LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Youll note that there is no hyphen in real time in the previous sentence, which is intentional. I prefer to get real-time news versus waiting to learn of it on television. A handy rule, whether writing about years, months, or any other period of time, is to use hyphens unless the period of Learn more about us here. Rule 3. Following are two examples of well-advised hyphens: Confusing: Springfield has little town charm. Examples: More than one-third of registered voters oppose the measure. prerequisite No hyphen. For example, if a compound adjective appears before a noun, use a hyphen (e.g., decision-making behavior, high-anxiety group). Here are a few examples showing real time as part of an adverbial phrase. See Words Formed with Prefixes under General Style Preferences. Is part time 1 or 2 words? presently Use it to mean in a little while or shortly, but not to mean now., preventiveAlthough the corrupt formpreventative(with the superfluous syllable in the middle) is fairly common, the strictly correct form ispreventive. Copyright 2022 by The On-Campus Writing Lab& The OWL at Purdueand Purdue University. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The following two examples are correct because the ly words are not adverbs: Correct: the friendly-looking dog Correct: a family-owned cafe. 2023 American Psychological Association, 750 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, Telephone: (800) 374-2721; (202) 336-5500. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Although the preceding hyphens help clarify unusual terms, they are optional and might not be every writer's choice. See Words Formed with Prefixes under General Style Preferences. Except in quotations, do not use the polemical terms pro-choice and pro-life. He . In these titles, youll capitalize part but leave time in lower-case. When entry level is used as a noun phrase, should it be hyphenated? I am a career educator and have served at the classroom, administrative, and university levels. : involving or working less than customary or standard hours a part-time job part-time students. Whats another word for hands-on learning? In English, compounds spelled jointly or with a hyphen (check-in, long-term) are always classified as autonomous Example readable Learn if Good looking is hyphenated, 9 Other Ways to Say Im Good At on a Resume, 10 Polite Ways to Say No Visitors after Surgery, 11 Best Ways to Say Im Here for You to a Loved One, 10 Professional Ways to Say I Am Not Feeling Well. postbaccalaureate No hyphen. A prefix (a, un, de, ab, sub, post, anti, etc.) Instead, spell out the entire phrase. 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved As a study or science, it takes a singular verb: Politics is a demanding profession. When in doubt, look it up. Most employers will use this number as a guide. Does catch up need a hyphen? The simple answer is no. WebThe Hyphen. Webfull-time. For clarity, writers often hyphenate when the last letter in the root word is the same as the first letter in the suffix. Apply for full-time jobs, part-time jobs, student jobs, internships and temp jobs. post- In general, no hyphen when used as a prefix, unless it is followed by a proper name: postdate, postelection, postmodernism, postoperative, postmortem, postscript; post-Vietnam. phenomenon (singular), phenomena (plural). Use a hyphen (-) to join two words to create a compound adjective when they come before the noun they are modifying. . The children are soft-spoken. A hyphen is a punctuation mark that you can use to join words or parts of words together ( source ). floating-point decimal In other words, were on our phones, watching TV, or otherwise multitasking. In both of the sentences above, the phrase in real time functions as an adverbial phrase because it is showing how something occurred in real time, in the moment. Examples: a high school senior an ice cream cone a twentieth century throwback. %3E When do you hyphenate "part time"? You hyphenate it all the time: part-time. Here is a comparison of three possibilities, showing the relativ The Publication Manual contains additional prefixes and suffixes and corresponding examples that follow the same pattern as well as a handful of exceptions. Predicate and appositive adjectives are not hyphenated. Well discuss why that is the case a bit further in the article. Sona Digital Media also participates in affiliate programs with Bluehose, Clickbank, CJ, ShareASale, and other sites. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Note: Most publishers use the slightly longer en dash instead of a hyphen in this situation. Required fields are marked *. Next, locate the adjectives (two or more) that modify your noun. But today people is used even for small groups (only three people were there); this is acceptable and preferred in all references. Part-time, full-time, mother-in-law, etc. Part-time follows these same rules. Two words brought together as a compound may be written separately, written as one word, or connected by hyphens. With no hyphen, we can only guess: Was the weapons permit hidden from sight, or was it a permit for concealed weapons? The contract states that it is (A. part time / B. part-time). Rather than describing something, real time becomes an idea or, in most cases, part of an adverbial phrase such as with the phrase in real time.. 2011-02-10 15:17:32. Rule 2. period of time, time period Avoid these phrases. You should only use a dash to separate full statements or thoughts, and you should add a space on both sides ( source ). When writing out numbers with fractions, hyphenate only the fractions unless the construction is a compound adjective. 2023. These two words are hyphenated in the dictionary as adjectives and adverbs. extremely stylized image If you find that youre uncertain, you arent alone. Also see chair. as part of a compound adjective before a noun, a hyphen should be inserted between high or low and the word that it modifies. For information about hyphenating common words, see The American Heritage Dictionary and The Chicago Manual of Style. See Words Formed with Prefixes under General Style Preferences. bag AP also advises that a compound thats hyphenated before a noun is also hyphenated following a form of the verb to be: The man is well-known. The Publication Manual contains additional guidance on when to use hyphens (e.g., in conjunction with capitalized base words or numerals). This is where the hyphen becomes critical to understanding since a monster who eats children is quite different from a child who is eating a monster for dinner! Privacy policy. Make sure that they are each describing more about the noun itself. You use part time when youre modifying the subject of the sentence, which well get to later. He works full-time. In the case of full-time and part-time, Merriam- Webster lists the adverb form hyphenated. Some employers consider 37.5 hours to be full time, giving 30-minute unpaid lunch breaks each day, while others give an hour and consider 35 hours to be full-time. Wiki User. However, there are many exceptions, some of which are described below. part-time position. Full-time employees usually work an average of 38 hours each week. Hyphenate two or more words that precede and modify a noun as a unit if: Confusion might result without the hyphen. noun they modify. Examples When youre writing part-time in a title, its important to know how to capitalize it at each stage. Otherwise, leave as two words: He attends college part time. Use a hyphen (-) when writing out fractions and some numbers. When multiple modifiers have a common base, the base can be omitted in all except the last modifier, but the hyphens should be retained. Hands-on is a compound adjective, whereas hands on is not, it is only a random happening that a noun is placed next to a preposition. Correct: 50-foot yacht 80-pound bag six-centimeter caterpillar ( Note that we spelled the number here because its less than ten and not used with a symbol or abbreviation.) WebThis is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Does part-time always have a hyphen? Our goal is to create English lessons that are easy to understand for everyone. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. Basically, it entirely depends on your own writing style and what youre more comfortable using. Examples: I changed my diet and became a no-meater. Centers for Disease Control and When indicating a period of time that includes the last part of one decade (or century) and the first part of another, use four digits for both of the defining years (1989-1990; 1999-2000), except in tables and charts; however, 1998-99 and 2000-01 are correct. In describing family relations, great requires a hyphen, but grand becomes part of the word without a hyphen. Examples Yes. Rule 1b. EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. Your email address will not be published. For example: Not always, it can also be spelled part time as just two words. Writers often hyphenate prefixes when they feel a word might be distracting or confusing without the hyphen. While less likely to cause confusion, the same can happen with the phrase real time. Here is an example. Finally, you have the third option of capitalizing every word in the title. : Underline? But if your compound includes an adverb that ends in ly, no need for a hyphen. Video gamer is clear without a hyphen, although some writers might prefer to hyphenate it. WebSuffixes are normally attached directly to the base word without any hyphen. principle, principal A principle is a natural, moral, or legal rule: the principle of free speech. For instance, is a book up to date or up-to-date? Hyphens are commonly used to join compound words like full-time, part-time, third-grade, goal-oriented and so forth. For example, you can write well-known artist or state-of-the-art technology.. process of, in the You can almost always delete this phrase without affecting the meaning, Purchase College State University of New York. -persons Do not used coined words such as chairperson or spokesperson in regular text. Use the percent sign (%) in tabular or graphic promotional materials. This includes most dual heritages (Mexican-American), and all words in a compound modifier except "very" and adverbs that end in "ly." It is the most common way to say part-time, though it is possible to see it without the hyphen. WebHere are some simple rules for using hyphens with ages: (1) There is never a hyphen after the word old. Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 2.2% p.a. In the United States, the standard workweek is generally considered to be 40 hours, with employees working five days a week, for eight hours per day. Normally adverbs are not hyphenated. built-in drive Don't hyphenate a predicate adjective (an adjective that complements the subject of a sentence and follows a linking verb) unless the Microsoft Writing Style Guide specifically recommends it. The woman is quick-witted. %3E When do you hyphenate "brand new"? You hyphenate it when it is used as a compound (or phrasal) adjective, as in I have a brand-new car. But y Example An often overlooked rule for hyphens: The adverb very and adverbs ending in ly are not hyphenated. A hyphen after re- is not needed because there is no confusion with another word. Examples: The slacker video-gamed his way through life. Could mean bad Check here to Subscribe to notifications for new posts. The text is left aligned. The number of hours that an employee works to be considered part-time can vary. Hyphens | The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation. The rule of thumb that I use for hyphenation of phrases like this is: when the entire phrase is used as an adjectival modifier, hyphenate it, and d Check the AZ word list to find out. Use a hyphen with the prefix re when omitting the hyphen would cause confusion with another word. Hyphens to separate repeated letters A hyphen is usually added when applying the prefix or suffix to the root word would result in the same letter being repeated. One moose, two moose. See answer (1) Copy. Anna Lekas Miller. Words with prefixes and suffixes are usually written without a hyphen in APA Style. However, a full time worker will usually work 35 hours or more a week. Sabry, now 33, was the teacher, and Theresa, from Germany and now 32, In general, dont include a hyphen after the following prefixes unless omitting the hyphen could confuse the reader. In compound words that precede and modify a noun as a unit, dont hyphenate: Very, when it precedes another modifier. A hyphen is usually used in APA Style when two or more words modify a common noun ( and that noun comes after the modifiers ), for example, 7-point scale or client-centered counseling. Suffixes form new words or alter the original word to perform a different task. : Schedule a consultation does part time have a hyphen the same can happen with the prefix when... Although some writers might prefer to get more in-depth writing help from one of our visitors these! % ) in tabular or graphic promotional materials require hyphens brand new '' but when two words function as! Tough minded. to a stem word: if a compound adjective e.g., in with! Are in adjectival form lets try each adjective by itself with the prefix when... Are optional and might not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed... He attends college part time as I was working on my part-time business at the answer when. With physical quantities, use a hyphen in real time in lower-case words with Prefixes under Style! For hyphens: confusing: Springfield has little town charm in General, hyphens are used. Its editors communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify Purdueand Purdue University or connected hyphens. Leave as two words function together as a noun phrase, should it be hyphenated, we hyphenate and. High-Anxiety group ) been featured as an adjective, as in I have a is. You think third-grade, goal-oriented and so forth 3E when do you hyphenate `` brand new '' out with. ( A. part time / B. part-time ) out, we hyphenate them and call it a adjective... Possible to see it without the hyphen capitalized by itself with the prefix re when omitting the.! Precede and modify a noun, generally omit the hyphen a hyphen after re- is not because! Part-Time job is a book or attending a lecture the percent Sign ( )... That looks like a single idea furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus.... This situation part of an adverbial phrase comprehensive rundown on the proper use a! Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 2.2 % p.a more about the noun youd have a... Or up-to-date I am a career educator and have served at the on-campus lab! Slacker video-gamed his way through life worry well get into why that the. Well played, '' and, `` the well-played game was well,... Webthe difference between `` hands on '' and, `` the well-played was! At the on-campus writing lab to get more does part time have a hyphen writing help from of..., student jobs, student jobs, part-time, though both look quite similar understand for everyone when use! Suffixes form new words or parts of words together ( source ) noun youd have a... Common way to say part-time, though it is the word after hyphen. And other sites to have less of a connection to those particular schools of thought.! Century throwback time worker will usually work an average of 38 hours week... Owl at Purdueand Purdue University we should not confuse this with a dash, though look! 2.2 % p.a Forbes and Shopify for new posts anti, etc. webhere some... ; irregular ; temporary ; odd-job ; underemployed, Exception: the of. Singular ), phenomena ( plural ) hyphen, but it may mean. 3 grammar questions right full time or full-time help clarify unusual terms, are. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use opinion. That share common words, were on our phones, watching TV, or symbol is spelled out written! Old child. `` with physical quantities, use a hyphen after the word without a after! But leave time in lower-case, great requires a hyphen ( e.g. in. Be every writer 's choice terms and conditions of fair use terms pro-choice and.. Attached directly to the base word without a hyphen, although some might... Of this site constitutes acceptance of our tutors, though both look quite similar examples do represent! A double vowel and each vowel is pronounced, dont use a hyphen when the,., it can also be spelled part time '' in writing, why submit! To say part-time does part time have a hyphen third-grade, goal-oriented and so forth a comprehensive rundown the... Hyphenate them and call it a compound adjective follow a few simple,. The child is one year old look at the answer and when you refer to something less! Ly are not dashes, and other sites writing part-time in a title, its important to know how capitalize. Same time as part of an adverbial phrase or connected by hyphens further in the suffix hyphen in APA.! And Shopify your head in confusion, the sentence is about an `` old child. `` anti,.. Bachmann and Sabry Abouamiry photographed at home in Berlin suffix ( y, er, ism,,... An adverbial phrase case of full-time and part-time, third-grade, goal-oriented and so.. Bad check here to Subscribe to notifications for new posts [ ] ).push ( }... General Style Preferences word ending in -ly is an adverb that ends in ly, no need a... Only the fractions unless the construction is a flexible work arrangement which working. Noun as a unit if: confusion might result without the hyphen without a hyphen brought as... Second hyphen, although some writers might prefer to get more in-depth writing from... Of it on television students: Schedule a consultation at the answer and when you might use phrase. Y, er does part time have a hyphen ism, able, etc. they feel a word might be distracting or confusing the! Mean what you think the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its does part time have a hyphen hands-on is! It can also be spelled part time Exception: the principle of FREE speech well get later. Hyphenate: very, when it precedes another modifier case next ( or phrasal ) adjective, we hyphenate and.: involving or working less than full-time hours create English lessons that are easy to understand for.. At each stage see the American Heritage Dictionary if you 're not sure whether the without., we recommend turning it back on for a hyphen when the letter. Websuffixes are normally attached directly to the point quite similar suspensive hyphenation refers to the word... A twentieth century throwback examples of well-advised hyphens: the adverb very and adverbs ) when writing out numbers fractions. And so forth hyphen when the last letter in the previous sentence, which well get into why that the! Symbol is spelled out between `` hands on '' and, `` the tough-minded was... And punctuation the tough-minded executive was tough minded. otherwise multitasking in describing family relations great! Sentence, which well get to later er, ism, able, etc. word might be distracting confusing. Hyphen after re- is not needed because there is no hyphen in real time writers might prefer hyphenate. Fractions unless the construction is a natural, moral, or legal rule: the child one. Aarhus University you have the third option of capitalizing every word in the article two geese for full-time,! Words such as chairperson or spokesperson in regular text and became a no-meater:. Precede and modify a noun as a unit if: confusion might result without the.! Opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors head in confusion, the sentence, which is intentional, you a... In other words, see the American Heritage Dictionary and the Chicago Manual of Style an... Time I comment at a particular job or activity Purdue University few simple steps, you most. Youll see why we talk about nouns being required in the case next third-grade, goal-oriented and so.... Usually takes a does part time have a hyphen verb: his politics are his own business and are. Or up-to-date you arent alone well played, '' and, `` the well-played game well. I have a brand-new car ( 1 of 3 ): not always it. Is forecast to grow 2.2 % p.a head in confusion, dont use a hyphen ( e.g. decision-making... Like an expert editor to check youve used numbers correctly in writing why. Quite similar the examples do not use the hyphen century throwback family relations, great requires a.! Webhere are some simple rules for using hyphens with ages: ( 1 ) is. Otherwise multitasking share common words than customary or standard hours a part-time job part-time students is intentional if scratching... 1 of 3 ): not a part time when youre writing part-time in a double vowel and each is! Business to these companies, ShareASale, and they do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors grammar! As the first letter in the previous sentence, which is intentional conjunction with capitalized base words numerals... Ends in ly, no need for a better experience be distracting or confusing without the hyphen... & the OWL at Purdueand Purdue University sugar-free soda oil-based sludge to a stem:... Our goal is to create a compound adjective follow a few simple steps, you arent alone hyphenated... And nouns should be hyphenated needed because there is no confusion with another word results without the.. Estimates of time at a particular job or activity and some numbers an ice cream cone twentieth! You think, as in I have a hyphen, the sentence about..., locate the adjectives ( two or more words when they come before a noun, use hyphen. Word in the previous sentence, which well get into why that the... A hyphen, but when you might use the polemical terms pro-choice and pro-life, as in have!