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Common Mistake: Missing Hyphen

Hyphens are an essential part of English grammar and are used to join words together, indicating that they have a combined meaning or function. The absence of a hyphen can lead to confusion and ambiguity in a sentence. Let's explore some common instances where a hyphen is often omitted.

1. Compound Adjectives

When two or more words work together to describe a noun, they form a compound adjective. In these cases, a hyphen should be placed between the words to link them together.

• Correct: It was a well-organized event.
• Incorrect: It was a well organized event.

2. Numbers and Units of Measurement

When a number and a unit of measurement are used together as an adjective, they should be hyphenated. This helps to clarify their relationship and avoid confusion.

• Correct: We had a two-person meeting.
• Incorrect: We had a two person meeting.

3. Prefixes and Suffixes

Hyphens are often used with prefixes and suffixes to clarify meaning and improve readability.

• Correct: The self-made businessman started his own company.
• Incorrect: The self made businessman started his own company.

Remember, the use of hyphens should always be consistent to maintain clarity and precision in your writing. By incorporating hyphens correctly, you can avoid common mistakes and enhance the readability of your sentences.