Hyphens! magic little dashes

Rule #1: hyphenating compound adjectives! Rule 1. Generally, hyphenate two or more words when they come before a noun they modify and act as a single idea. This is called a compound adjective. Examples: an off-campus apartment state-of-the-art design When a compound adjective follows a noun, a hyphen may or may not be necessary. Example: The apartment is off campus. However, some established compound adjectives are always hyphenated. Double-check with a dictionary or online. Example: The design is state-of-the-art.

Let’s look at compound adjectives- note the differences in meaning and why you need a hyphen! Smooth talking squirrel means that the squirrel’s coat is smooth…and that he can speak. Smooth-talking squirrel means that he speaks confidently and persuasively!

More! A high powered chicken means the chicken is elevated (or possibly on drugs), and perhaps has batteries in his back (and is thus a toy) A high-powered chicken means the chicken has a lot of influence!

More! a man-eating shark is a shark that eats humans a man eating shark is a man who is eating shark meat

And more. … A fun loving weaselbeaver knows how to have a good time and is loving towards others A fun-loving weaselbeaver loves having fun!!

One more: A clear headed person means that the person is transparent and has a head. A clear-headed person is thinking clearly.

Rule #2: fun with unusual compound verbs and nouns! Rule 2a : A hyphen is frequently required when forming unusual compound verbs for vivid writing, humor, or special situations. Examples: The slacker video-gamed his way through life. Queen Victoria throne-sat for six decades. Rule 2b: When writing out new, original, or unusual compound nouns, writers should hyphenate whenever doing so avoids confusion. Examples: I changed my diet and became a no-meater. No-meater is too confusing without the hyphen. The slacker was a video gamer. *Video gamer is clear without a hyphen, although some writers might prefer to hyphenate it.

Do I need a hyphen for these original, compound verbs or nouns? I squirrel gazed my way through the forest. I fake laughed during the boring conversation. My sister is a pea flinger; she always throws them across the dining room. My cat is a squirrel muncher.

Rule #3: ages of things… Hyphens are often used to tell the ages of people and things. A handy rule, whether writing about years, months, or any other period of time, is to use hyphens unless the period of time (years, months, weeks, days) is written in plural form: With hyphens: We have a two-year-old child. We have a two-year-old. No hyphens: The child is two years old. (Because years is plural.) Note that when hyphens are involved in expressing ages, two hyphens are required. Many writers forget the second hyphen: Incorrect: We have a two-year old child. Without the second hyphen, the sentence is about an "old child."

Where do hyphens go? We have a seven year old dog. My son is ten years old.

Rule #4: numbers When using numbers, hyphenate spans or estimates of time, distance, or other quantities. Remember not to use spaces around hyphens. Examples: 3:15-3:45 p.m people

Rule #5 Hyphenate all compound numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine. Examples: thirty-two children one thousand two hundred twenty-one dollars

Rule #6 Hyphenate all spelled-out fractions. Example: more than two-thirds of registered voters

The Secret! Anytime three-word phrases have uncertain meaning, you need hyphens. (if you’re not certain check the dictionary!)

Today, we will focus just on… Compound adjectives (the first two words are describing the third: fun- loving squirrel, power-hungry dude).

Quick review: which of these needs a hyphen? 1. The monkey had smooth green phlegm. 2. She gave birth to a three headed baby. 3. The large sad squirrel crossed the road. 4. The foul mouthed teenager was punished. 5. She was a curly haired baby. Think about what your hyphenated phrase is describing; if the words in your phrase aren’t linked and they each describe the noun separately, then no hyphen is needed! Ask yourself: Is the first adjective in the phrase describing the second? If yes, then they need to be linked with a hyphen!

So …on your paper, take a moment to list adjectives Smooth High Fun Clear

In the middle column, list words that end in “ing” or “ed” talking powered loving headed

In the final column, list nouns squirrel chicken weaselbeaver person

Next… Put them together to practice writing hyphenated compound adjectives…five please! And, finally, illustrate your favorite one on the back on your paper. Prepare to share!