Misuse of hyphens

Definition

Misuse of hyphens refers to the incorrect application of hyphens in writing, which can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of text. Hyphens are primarily used to connect words in compound adjectives, link prefixes to root words, or separate syllables in a single word. Correctly using hyphens is essential for clarity and accuracy in writing, especially in news articles where precision is paramount.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hyphens should be used to connect compound adjectives only when they precede the noun, such as 'well-known author', but not when they follow, as in 'the author is well known'.
2. Common mistakes include over-hyphenating words that do not require it, like 'high-school teacher' instead of 'high school teacher' when 'high school' functions as a proper noun.
3. The misuse of hyphens can change the meaning of phrases, leading to misunderstandings; for example, 'small-business owner' vs. 'small business owner'.
4. Hyphenation rules differ between American and British English, so understanding the intended audience can impact hyphen usage.
5. Proofreading is crucial for identifying and correcting hyphen misuse, as this often goes unnoticed during the initial writing process.

Review Questions

• How does the misuse of hyphens affect the clarity of news articles?
  • Misuse of hyphens can lead to confusion and misinterpretation in news articles, which rely on clear communication. When hyphens are improperly used in compound adjectives or between phrases, they can alter meanings and create ambiguity. This is especially critical in journalism where accuracy is vital; readers must quickly grasp the intended message without misunderstanding caused by misplaced or unnecessary hyphens.
• Discuss how different styles of English handle hyphenation and its implications for journalists.
  • Different styles of English, such as American and British English, have varying rules regarding hyphenation. For instance, British English may retain hyphens in certain compound words that American English would write without them. Journalists must be aware of their publication's style guide and the expectations of their audience to ensure proper usage. Failing to adapt to these differences can result in publishing errors that misinform readers.
• Evaluate the role of proofreading in preventing hyphen misuse in news articles and suggest best practices.
  • Proofreading plays a crucial role in preventing hyphen misuse by allowing writers to catch errors before publication. Best practices include reading articles aloud to identify awkward phrasing or misused hyphens, consulting style guides for specific rules on compound adjectives and other uses, and having a second set of eyes review the text. Implementing these practices not only enhances clarity but also upholds the credibility of journalism by ensuring accurate and effective communication.

Related terms

Compound adjectives: Adjectives that consist of two or more words that work together to modify a noun, often requiring a hyphen when placed before the noun they modify.

En dash: A punctuation mark longer than a hyphen, used to indicate ranges of numbers, dates, or to connect related items.

Hyphenation rules: Guidelines that dictate how and when to use hyphens in writing to ensure clarity and prevent ambiguity.