missing hyphen in '22 inch monitor'

Quick answer

Write "22-inch monitor" (with a hyphen) when the number and unit form a compound modifier before a noun. If the measurement follows the noun, write "the monitor is 22 inches."

Hyphenation rule for numbers + units

When a number and a unit combine to describe a noun, hyphenate them: number-unit + noun. This makes it clear the two words act together as one adjective.

Correct: a 22-inch monitor
Incorrect: a 22 inch monitor
Not hyphenated when the measurement comes after the noun: The monitor is 22 inches.

Spacing and common exceptions

Use a single, close hyphen with no spaces: "22-inch." Do not add spaces around the hyphen. Common exceptions:

Plural after the noun: "The screen measures 22 inches."
Adverbs ending in -ly do not take a hyphen (e.g., "highly regarded author").
Ranges use an en dash in some style guides (e.g., "2018-2020"); do not use a hyphen as a substitute for an en dash in formal typesetting.
When units are spelled out and act as nouns, no hyphen is needed: "a monitor with a 22-inch size" (here the phrase is restructured and hyphenation depends on position).

Why the hyphen matters

Hyphens prevent misreading. Without one, a reader might parse "22 inch monitor" as three separate modifiers or wonder whether "22" modifies something else. The hyphen signals a single, combined adjective.

Wrong vs right examples you can copy

Six clear pairs to train your eye quickly.

Wrong: I bought a 22 inch monitor for my desk.
Right: I bought a 22-inch monitor for my desk.
Wrong: The office installed 24 inch displays last week.
Right: The office installed 24-inch displays last week.
Wrong: She prefers a ten inch tablet for reading.
Right: She prefers a ten-inch tablet for reading.

Real usage: work, school, casual

How the rule shows up in different contexts. Each example has a wrong and a corrected form so you can copy and paste.

Work - Wrong: We ordered new 27 inch monitors for the dev team.Work -
Right: We ordered new 27-inch monitors for the dev team.
Work - Wrong: Connect the 24 inch display to the HDMI port.Work -
Right: Connect the 24-inch display to the HDMI port.
Work - Wrong: Install the 19 inch rack mount to the shelf.Work -
Right: Install the 19-inch rack mount to the shelf.
School - Wrong: Bring a 12 inch ruler to class.School -
Right: Bring a 12-inch ruler to class.
School - Wrong: The poster must be 36 inch wide.School -
Right: The poster must be 36-inch wide.
School - Wrong: We measured a six inch margin around the page.School -
Right: We measured a six-inch margin around the page.
Casual - Wrong: I bought a 15 inch laptop yesterday.Casual -
Right: I bought a 15-inch laptop yesterday.
Casual - Wrong: They set up a 40 inch TV in the lounge.Casual -
Right: They set up a 40-inch TV in the lounge.
Casual - Wrong: He prefers a 7 inch screen for reading comics.Casual -
Right: He prefers a 7-inch screen for reading comics.

How to fix your own sentence

Repair quick, then read for tone and clarity.

Spot the number + unit used before a noun.
Insert a single hyphen between the number and unit: "22-inch."
Reread the sentence; if it reads awkwardly, consider rephrasing (e.g., "a monitor that is 22 inches").

Examples of simple rewrites that improve flow:

Original: We need a 22 inch monitor that is color accurate.
Rewrite: We need a 22-inch monitor that is color-accurate.
Original: The poster should be 24 inch tall and 36 inch wide.
Rewrite: The poster should be 24 inches tall and 36 inches wide.
Original: He bought a 13 inch MacBook, which is compact.
Rewrite: He bought a 13-inch MacBook, which is compact.

A simple memory trick

Read the phrase out loud with the noun that follows. If the number+unit naturally form one concept (one adjective), hyphenate them. Replace the whole phrase mentally with a single-word synonym: if that replacement works, use a hyphen.

Think: "22-inch monitor" = "small monitor" (single idea) → hyphenate.
If you instead say "the monitor is 22 inches," no hyphen.
Bulk-fix tip: search drafts for patterns like " inch " and review each match.

Similar mistakes to watch for

Fix one hyphen error and scan for these related issues nearby.

Omitting hyphens in ages: "a five-year-old child" vs "the child is five years old."
Misplaced hyphens with adverbs: avoid hyphenating adverbs ending in -ly.
Confusing dashes and hyphens: ranges and breaks use en or em dashes, not a simple hyphen.
Fraction hyphenation: "a two-thirds majority" (hyphenated) vs "two thirds of the group" (no hyphen when standalone noun phrase).

FAQ

Do I always hyphenate numbers and units?

Hyphenate when they form a compound adjective before a noun. Do not hyphenate when the unit follows the noun as a measurement.

Is there a space around the hyphen?

No. Use a single hyphen with no spaces: "22-inch."

What about symbols and abbreviations (e.g., 22in, 22")?

If you use symbols or abbreviations, follow your style guide. In running text, write "22-inch" or "22 in." depending on the guide; avoid mixing symbols and words inconsistently.

Should I hyphenate spelled-out numbers differently from digits?

Both spelled-out numbers and digits are hyphenated in compound modifiers: "ten-inch tablet" and "10-inch tablet."

Can spell-check catch these errors?

Automated tools help, but check sentence context. Tools can miss cases where rephrasing is a better fix than a straight hyphenation.

Quick tip before you send

Run a fast scan: if a number+unit precedes a noun, add a hyphen. When unsure, rewrite the phrase so the measurement follows the noun ("the monitor is 22 inches") or use a short grammar checker for a second look.