Common Mistake: Missing Hyphen in '10 Degree Angle'

One common grammatical mistake that often goes overlooked is the absence of a hyphen in phrases like '10 degree angle'.

When constructing compound modifiers (which are two or more words that work together to describe a noun), it is important to use a hyphen to ensure clarity and avoid confusion. This applies to numbers as well.

Why is the Hyphen Important?

The hyphen helps to connect the words in a compound modifier, indicating that they should be read together as a single concept modifying a noun. Without the hyphen, the meaning can be misinterpreted, leading to confusion or ambiguity.

Correct Usage Example:

In the case of '10 degree angle', the phrase should be written as '10-degree angle'. This makes it clear that 10 and degree work together as a single concept modifying the word angle.

Therefore, it's important to remember to use a hyphen when combining words to create compound modifiers, including when using numbers as descriptors.

Using Linguix Grammar Checker

Checking for hyphen usage can be made easier with the Linguix grammar checker, which is designed to catch mistakes in compound modifiers and other grammar errors. It helps in providing error-free writing and ensuring clarity in your content.