The next few blog posts will focus on when hyphens should be used in writing. As you know, the English language has lots of rules and even more exceptions to those rules. But learning when to use a hyphen and, just as important, when not to use it will make your writing even better! (These rules can be found at the Online Writing Lab (OWL) by Purdue University.)
Rule 1: Use a hyphen to avoid confusion or an awkward combination of letters.
Example: You can re-sign a petition. (Meaning to sign again)
Note: No hyphen is needed in the word "resign" as in resigning from a job. (Meaning to officially quit or leave your job.)
Reason: The hyphen helps with correct pronunciation of "re-sign."
Example: A teenager may be semi-independent. (The hyphen is used because without it, you'd have the letters "ii" right next to each other and that may make it hard to know what term it is.
Note: No hyphen is needed in the word "semiconscious."
Reason: Use a hyphen when you have two of the same letters next to each other with each word part.
Additional examples: The word "shell-like" needs the hyphen, but the word "childlike" does not.
What do you think about this rule? Is it something you'll be able to apply in your writing? Did you already know this rule before today's blog entry? Answer the two questions and write a sentence with a hyphen.
5 comments:
I think that is a great way of putting it but it is still very confusing. Words like dissatisfied, is that how you would spell it with a hyphen? Hyphen and there rules are very new to me. I will try to insert these rules into my writing; I also will attempt to stay far away from hyphens.
*She will not be available for the semi-inception this evening.
SHENEA WALKER
I was already familiar with the hyphen rule before reading this blog entry. But, I will definitely continue to remember it for future writing projects.
Sara will be dressing semi-formal for the dance.
This blog is very informative about the hyphen rule. I don't remember hearing about it.
The hair tint is semi-permanent.
Maria C. Torres
9/26/2010
I was familiar wth some of the uses for hyphens, but never focused on instances such as when the same letter occurs together to eliminate confusion.
The New Deal needs to be re-negotiated.
Q-(1.)What do you think about this rule about hyphens?:
The rule is informational so you don’t make the mistake of using a hyphen in the wrong way.
Q-(2)Are hyphens something you'll be able to apply in your writing?:
Yes, I would be able to use hyphens while I am writing a correspondence to some one.
Q-(3)Did you already know this rule before today's blog entry?:
I knew the rule before I seen the blog,and also the correct ways to use hyphens, and also when to use them at the right time.
_________
4)Hyphen sentence:
To bad I have to be twenty-five years old to rent a rental car in the city of Chicago.
Nicole Cunningham
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