What Is A Hyphen?

Hyphens are the small lines (about half the size of a dash) which are written in the middle of the line. Hyphens connect words or parts of words to make a new word.

Newfoundland is so-called because the land was new-found.

Rana is the proverbial out-of-work writer.

They can also clarify which qualifier is modifying which word.

This is my ancient philosophy professor.

This is my ancient-philosophy professor.

Which is ancient: the philosophy or the professor?

Hyphens can attach a prefix or a suffix.

I plan to spend the post-exam period sleeping and playing computer games.

The group’s philosophy causes the individual to re-examine all aspects of their life.

Though they are buoyed by the thrill of inheriting the throne, the heir-apparent has a burdened life.

If, when using a prefix, you end up with identical letters beside each other, a hyphen will clarify the syllables so the reader knows how to pronounce the word.

We need someone to co-ordinate everyone’s schedules.

Do you have any anti-icing spray for the door lock?

Annie took some time to wind down and re-energize.