How do you use a hyphen correctly?

How do you use a hyphen correctly?

Generally, you need the hyphen only if the two words are functioning together as an adjective before the noun they're describing. If the noun comes first, leave the hyphen out. This wall is load bearing. It's impossible to eat this cake because it is rock hard.

Can a hyphen be used in a sentence?

Two dashes can emphasize material in the middle of a sentence. Some style and grammar guides even permit you to write a complete sentence within the dashes. Example: Everything I saw in my new neighborhood—from the graceful elm trees to the stately brick buildings—reminded me of my alma mater.

What does a hyphen mean in texting?

A dash usually replaces a comma, semicolon, colon, or parentheses. When used this way, it creates an EMPHATIC separation of words. Since a dash is versatile, people tend to use it to punctuate almost any break in a sentence.

Does socioeconomic have a hyphen?

Use hyphens to avoid ambiguity and to be consistent . notes❯ In the current Concise Oxford English Dictionary, “macroeconomic” and “microeconomic” are solid but “socio-economic” is hyphenated .

What effect does a hyphen have?

In effect, a dash allows you to redefine what was just written, making it more explicit. You can also use a dash as it is used in the first sentence of this paragraph: to frame an interruptive or parenthetical-type comment that you do not want to de-emphasize.