Hyphen Usage Quiz

Questions and Answers

What does a compound modifier consist of?

Phrases separated by commas

A single word

Words that join together to modify a noun (correct)

Only adjectives

What is the primary use of hyphens?

To connect two or more words into a single concept (correct)

To separate sentences

To enhance style

To indicate a pause in writing

How should you use a hyphen with a spouse's name?

To combine their last names.

How should written numbers from 21 to 99 be formatted?

With a hyphen (twenty-one) Signup and view all the answers

What does a hyphen substitute for?

The word 'to'. Signup and view all the answers

What word is recommended to be used in formal writing?

To. Signup and view all the answers

When are hyphens used in regards to syllable breaks?

When a word cannot fit completely on a line. Signup and view all the answers

What do dashes indicate in writing?

An interruption. Signup and view all the answers

Dashes can be used as a substitute for _, _.

it is, they are Signup and view all the answers

For more emphasis, dashes can also be used as substitutes for ___.

parentheses Signup and view all the answers

How are dashes typically described in relation to hyphens?

Dashes are double the length of hyphens. Signup and view all the answers

What is an appositive?

A word that adds explanatory or clarifying information to the noun that precedes it. Signup and view all the answers

Use a dash to set off an _ _ that already includes commas.

appositive phrase Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following prefixes require hyphenation before proper nouns?

pro-, anti-, post- Signup and view all the answers

Hyphenate a _ _ with a number when it precedes a noun.

compound modifier Signup and view all the answers

A dash can anticipate a shift in ___ at the end of a sentence.

tone Signup and view all the answers

A dash is often used to set off a ___ at the end of a sentence to offer a significant comment about the main clause.

phrase (or subordinate clause) Signup and view all the answers

What do parentheses typically indicate?

Information, afterthoughts or asides, examples, and clarifications. Signup and view all the answers

Which punctuation marks have the order of greatest emphasis?

Dashes, parentheses, commas Signup and view all the answers

Do not put ___ before or after hyphens and dashes.

spaces Signup and view all the answers

What do parentheses around letters or numbers do in a series?

Make the list easier to read Signup and view all the answers

What is the use of parentheses around abbreviations?

To identify shortened names. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Compound Modifiers

Consist of words that function together to modify a noun.
Examples include "middle-class values" and "self-fulfilling prophecy."

Hyphens (-)

Connect two or more words (or numbers) into a single idea, particularly for adjectives.

Spouse's Name

Use a hyphen to combine the last names of spouses.

Numbers 21-99

Hyphens are used in written forms of numbers (e.g., "twenty-one").

Hyphen Usage

A hyphen can substitute for the word "to."

Formal Writing

Use the word "to" in formal contexts instead of a hyphen.

Syllable Breaks

Hyphens indicate where a word splits between lines, especially for complex syllable structures (e.g., re.act).

Dashes

Used to indicate interruptions in sentences (e.g., "An organic solvent will only work with—" when interrupted).

Replacing Expressions

Dashes can substitute for phrases like "it is" or "they are," functioning similarly to colons but less commonly used in formal writing.

Emphasis

Dashes serve as substitutes for parentheses to add emphasis in sentences.

Dashes vs. Hyphens

Dashes are double the length of hyphens (--).

Appositives

An appositive adds explanatory information to a preceding noun.

Appositive Phrases

Use dashes to set off appositive phrases that already include commas.

Prefix Hyphenation

Hyphenate prefixes such as pro-, anti-, post-, pre-, neo-, and mid- when used before proper nouns.

Compound Modifiers with Numbers

Hyphenate compound modifiers when they include a number and precede a noun (e.g., "one-way street").

Tone Shift

A dash can indicate a tone shift at the end of a sentence.

Subordinate Clauses

Dashes often set off a subordinate clause at the end of a sentence to provide significant commentary.

Parentheses

Used to identify information, afterthoughts, examples, and clarifications. They can contain full sentences, fragments, or brief terms.

Emphasis Order

The order of emphasis varies: dashes > parentheses > commas.

Spacing with Hyphens and Dashes

Do not include spaces before or after hyphens and dashes.

Parentheses in Lists

Parentheses around letters or numbers in a list enhance readability.

Abbreviations

Use parentheses around abbreviations to denote shortened names (e.g., UVU).

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Description

Test your knowledge on the correct use of hyphens and compound modifiers with this engaging quiz. Explore how to properly connect words and use them in different contexts, including in names and numbers. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their writing skills.