A hyphen is a short punctuation mark (-) used to connect words or parts of words. It helps show that two words belong together, like in “well-known” or “mother-in-law.”
People use hyphens in everyday writing to make meaning clearer and words easier to read. You may see them in compound adjectives, some names, and certain word breaks at the end of a line.
Meaning & Usage
A hyphen joins words or word parts so the sentence is easier to understand. For example, “high-speed train” uses a hyphen to show that “high-speed” works as one idea.
Examples
Common examples include “part-time job,” “up-to-date information,” and “twenty-one.” Hyphens are also used in some phone numbers or to separate syllables when needed.
What is the difference between a hyphen and a dash?
A hyphen is shorter and used to connect words. A dash is longer and usually shows a pause or a break in thought.
When should I use a hyphen?
Use a hyphen when two words work together as one idea, especially before a noun, like “well-written article.”
Is a hyphen the same in all English styles?
Not always. Some style guides use hyphens a little differently, but the basic purpose is the same: to connect words clearly.
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