Common Mistake: Missing Hyphen

One common mistake that people often make is forgetting to use a hyphen when combining words or phrases to create a modifier. The hyphen is an important punctuation mark that helps clarify the meaning of a sentence.

When to use a hyphen

A hyphen is used to join two or more words together to create a compound modifier. This is done to provide clarity and avoid confusion for the reader. Here are some examples:

• I have a two-seat convertible car. (Incorrect: I have a two seat convertible car.)
• He is a well-known actor. (Incorrect: He is a well known actor.)
• She is a part-time employee. (Incorrect: She is a part time employee.)

As you can see, in each of these examples, the hyphen is used to connect the words to create a single modifier. Without the hyphen, the meaning can be misinterpreted or misunderstood.

Why it matters

Misusing or omitting the hyphen can lead to confusion or ambiguity in your writing. It can alter the intended meaning of a sentence or make it difficult for the reader to understand your message.

For example:

• The small business owner helps his customers.
• The small-business owner helps his customers.

In the first sentence, it may seem like the business owner is small in size. However, in the second sentence with the hyphen, it is clear that the owner is of a small business.

The solution: Linguix Grammar Checker

If you're unsure about when to use a hyphen, the Linguix Grammar Checker can help. It automatically detects and corrects hyphenation errors, among many other grammar mistakes, to ensure your writing is clear, concise, and error-free.