Common Mistake: Missing Hyphen in "Per User Basis"

One common grammatical mistake that is often made is the omission of the hyphen in phrases such as "per user basis." This mistake can lead to confusion and incorrect interpretation of the intended meaning.

When two or more words are used together to form a compound adjective that describes a noun, a hyphen is necessary to clarify the relationship between the words. In the case of "per user basis," the hyphen is essential to indicate that the phrase is functioning as a single compound adjective modifying the noun.

Correct Usage:

• Each service is priced on a per-user basis.
• The software provides a per-user basis for tracking and analyzing data.

As shown in the examples above, the hyphen in "per-user" clarifies that the phrase is referring to a type of basis that is specific to each individual user. Without the hyphen, the phrase can be misinterpreted as "per user" being separate from "basis."

It's important to note that this mistake is not limited to the phrase "per user basis." Similar errors can occur in other compound adjectives where a hyphen is necessary for clarity.

Using a Grammar Checker like Linguix:

To avoid this common mistake and many others, it is recommended to use a reliable grammar checker like Linguix. These tools are designed to automatically identify and correct grammatical errors, including missing hyphens in compound adjectives. By using a grammar checker, you can enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.