2.10.4

Hyphens

Test yourself

Using Hyphens

Hyphens are dashes that we use between words that describe a noun. So words with hyphens are adjectives.

Illustrative background for HyphensIllustrative background for Hyphens ?? "content

Hyphens

  • Hyphens are dashes.
  • We use hyphens between words that describe a noun.
  • So words with hyphens are adjectives.
    • This is a hyphen: -
Illustrative background for <b>The boy had sky blue eyesIllustrative background for <b>The boy had sky blue eyes ?? "content

The boy had sky blue eyes

  • When there is no dash, it is not clear what this sentence means.
    • 'Sky' is a noun.
    • 'Blue' is an adjective.
Illustrative background for <b>The boy had sky=-=blue eyesIllustrative background for <b>The boy had sky=-=blue eyes ?? "content

The boy had sky-blue eyes

  • When there is a dash, we know that the eyes are sky-blue coloured.
    • 'Sky-blue' is an adjective.
Illustrative background for <b>The girl was cold heartedIllustrative background for <b>The girl was cold hearted ?? "content

The girl was cold hearted

  • When there is no dash, is it not clear what this sentence means.
    • The two adjectives 'cold' and 'hearted' seem unrelated.
Illustrative background for <b>The girl was cold=-=heartedIllustrative background for <b>The girl was cold=-=hearted ?? "content

The girl was cold-hearted

  • When there is a dash, it is clear that the girl is not very affectionate.
    • The adjective 'cold-hearted' means that she is not affectionate.

Jump to other topics

1Reading

1.1Reading

1.2Prefixes

1.3Suffixes

1.4Spelling Rules

1.5Reading Comprehension

1.6Reading Comprehension: SAT Practise

1.7Word Meaning

1.8Fact vs. Opinion

1.9Justifying Views

1.10Figurative Language

1.11Text Structure

2Writing

2.1Sounds in Words

2.2Homophones

2.3Using a Dictionary

2.4Writing Composition

2.5The Subjunctive Mood

2.6Modal Verbs

2.7Active & Passive Voice

2.8Relative Clauses

2.9Expanded Nouns

2.10Punctuation

2.11SAT Spelling Practise

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