Common Mistake: Incorrect Use of Hyphens in Compound Adjectives

Hyphens play an important role in connecting words to form compound adjectives. However, many people often confuse their usage and make mistakes that can affect the clarity and meaning of their writing. In this article, we will discuss some common errors and provide examples to help you avoid these mistakes.

1. Using a Hyphen when Not Needed

One common mistake is using a hyphen when it is not necessary. Compound adjectives that come before a noun do not need a hyphen if the meaning is clear without it. For example:

• Incorrect: She has a well-rounded baking skill.
• Correct: She has a well rounded baking skill.

In this example, the compound adjective "well-rounded" is used before the noun "baking skill." Since the meaning is clear without the hyphen, it should be written as "well rounded."

2. Omitting the Hyphen when Needed

On the other hand, some writers omit the hyphen when it is necessary to connect the words of a compound adjective. This can lead to confusion or ambiguity in the sentence. Consider the following example:

• Incorrect: I saw a small business owner.
• Correct: I saw a small-business owner.

In this case, the omission of the hyphen in "small business owner" can create confusion. Is the writer referring to a small owner of a business, or a business owner who has a small size? To clarify the meaning, the correct form is "small-business owner."

3. Hyphenating Compound Adjectives with Numbers

When a compound adjective includes a number, the words should be connected with hyphens. Here's an example:

• Incorrect: I ate a five course meal.
• Correct: I ate a five-course meal.

In this instance, the compound adjective "five-course" describes the meal, indicating that it consists of five courses. The hyphen connects the words "five" and "course" to form a single adjective.

To avoid these common mistakes and ensure the accuracy of your writing, it is important to proofread and revise your work carefully. Alternatively, you can use grammar checking tools like Linguix grammar checker, which can automatically detect and correct hyphenation errors in your text.