English & Language Usage · Conventions of standard English
Other Punctuation: Hyphens, Dashes, Parentheses & Ellipses
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Choose semicolons, colons, apostrophes, and other marks for the intended meaning.
Read the explanations, try the quick checks, then take the lesson quiz to see what to review next.
Advanced punctuation shows relationships. A hyphen joins words, a dash interrupts or emphasizes, and an ellipsis marks omitted words or a trailing thought.
Hyphens in Compound Modifiers
Hyphenate words that work together before a noun when the hyphen prevents a misreading: a well-researched proposal, a two-hour workshop. A familiar compound after the noun is usually open: The proposal was well researched. Do not hyphenate an -ly adverb plus an adjective: a carefully revised report. Consult a current dictionary when usage is uncertain.
Worked example: In The committee approved a three year plan, three and year jointly modify plan: a three-year plan. In The plan will last three years, no hyphen is needed.
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