Hyphenation in English: Rules, Examples, and Tips

Please follow and like us:

Introduction: Hyphenation in English

Hyphenation in English is an important aspect of grammar and writing style. A hyphen (-) connects two or more words to create a single idea or to avoid ambiguity. Understanding when and how to use hyphens correctly helps in clear communication and error-free writing. For students and candidates preparing for competitive exams, mastering Hyphenation in English is essential as it often appears in grammar and vocabulary questions.

100 Examples of Hyphenation in English with Meanings

1. Mother-in-law – wife’s or husband’s mother
2. Father-in-law – wife’s or husband’s father
3. Sister-in-law – wife’s or husband’s sister
4. Brother-in-law – wife’s or husband’s brother
5. Son-in-law – daughter’s husband
6. Daughter-in-law – son’s wife
7. Well-known – famous
8. Well-being – good health
9. Part-time – not full-time
10. Full-time – working all hours required
11. Check-in – registering at a hotel/airport
12. Check-out – leaving a hotel/airport
13. Up-to-date – current
14. Out-of-date – old, expired
15. Self-confidence – belief in oneself
16. Self-esteem – personal value
17. Self-control – ability to restrain oneself
18. Self-made – achieved by one’s own efforts
19. Editor-in-chief – main editor of a publication
20. Commander-in-chief – top military commander
21. Runner-up – second place
22. Two-thirds – fraction
23. Twenty-one – number
24. Forty-five – number
25. Ninety-nine – number
26. Ex-boyfriend – former boyfriend
27. Ex-girlfriend – former girlfriend
28. Ex-president – former president
29. Co-operate – work together
30. Co-ordinate – organize
31. Co-owner – joint owner
32. Co-worker – colleague
33. Co-pilot – assisting pilot
34. Pre-school – before school
35. Pre-paid – paid in advance
36. Pre-existing – already present
37. Pre-dawn – before sunrise
38. Re-enter – enter again
39. Re-apply – apply again
40. Re-examine – check again
41. Re-establish – set up again
42. Cross-check – verify
43. Cross-section – representative sample
44. Cross-country – across the nation
45. Cross-examination – questioning in court
46. Long-term – over a long time
47. Short-term – for a short duration
48. Day-to-day – routine
49. Year-to-year – annual comparison
50. Face-to-face – direct interaction
51. Decision-making – process of deciding
52. Problem-solving – process of finding solutions
53. Record-breaking – surpassing previous record
54. Time-saving – saving time
55. Money-saving – economical
56. User-friendly – easy to use
57. Eco-friendly – good for environment
58. State-of-the-art – modern
59. Old-fashioned – traditional
60. Brand-new – completely new
61. High-speed – very fast
62. High-tech – advanced technology
63. Low-cost – cheap
64. Low-quality – poor standard
65. Cost-effective – economical
66. Peace-loving – prefers peace
67. Freedom-loving – values freedom
68. Fun-loving – enjoys fun
69. God-fearing – religious
70. Good-looking – attractive
71. Kind-hearted – compassionate
72. Soft-spoken – gentle speech
73. Hard-working – industrious
74. Narrow-minded – not open to ideas
75. Open-minded – receptive to ideas
76. Strong-minded – determined
77. Broad-minded – tolerant
78. Cold-blooded – without emotion
79. Warm-hearted – kind
80. Whole-hearted – sincere
81. Absent-minded – forgetful
82. Quick-witted – intelligent
83. Slow-moving – not fast
84. Fast-moving – quick
85. Ready-made – already prepared
86. Man-made – artificial
87. Home-made – made at home
88. Machine-made – produced by machines
89. Mother-tongue – native language
90. First-class – top quality
91. Second-hand – used
92. Third-party – not directly involved
93. All-rounder – versatile person
94. All-inclusive – everything covered
95. All-knowing – omniscient
96. Ever-green – timeless
97. Ever-lasting – permanent
98. Never-ending – endless
99. Two-faced – deceitful
100. Four-legged – animal with four legs

Important Tips on Hyphenation in English

1. Compound words: Use hyphens to connect compound words (e.g., well-known, mother-in-law).
2. Numbers: Use hyphens in numbers between 21 and 99 (e.g., twenty-one, ninety-nine).
3. Prefixes: Use a hyphen with some prefixes like ex-, co-, pre-, re- when clarity is needed (e.g., ex-president, co-operate).
4. Adjectives before nouns: Hyphenate compound adjectives before a noun (e.g., a well-known actor).
5. Avoid ambiguity: Use hyphens to prevent confusion (e.g., re-cover vs. recover).
6. Consistency: Always be consistent in hyphen use in formal writing.
7. Competitive Exams: Questions on Hyphenation in English often test recognition of correct/incorrect usage in compound words, so memorizing common examples is useful.

Conclusion on Hyphenation in English

In conclusion, Hyphenation in English plays a crucial role in ensuring clarity, correctness, and professionalism in writing. By practicing with the 100 examples and following the important tips, students and competitive exam candidates can avoid common mistakes and improve their grammar skills.

Also Read: Quotation Marks Usage: Rules, 100 Examples, and Tips for Students

Comma Rules in English: Easy Guide with 100+ Examples

Please follow and like us:

About The Author

admin

See author's posts