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Using Hyphens With Compound Modifiers

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22 views6 pages

Using Hyphens With Compound Modifiers

Uploaded by

eman.ismail89
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Using Hyphens with Compound

Modifiers
Simplified Explanation and Rules
What is a Compound Modifier?
• - A compound modifier is two or more words
working together to describe a noun.
• Example: A well-balanced meal (the words
'well' and 'balanced' together describe the
meal).
When to Use a Hyphen
• 1. Use a hyphen if the compound modifier
comes BEFORE the noun:
• Example: A well-balanced meal
• 2. Do NOT use a hyphen if the compound
modifier comes AFTER the noun:
• Example: The meal is well balanced.
Exceptions to the Rule
• 1. If the first word ends in '-ly', do NOT use a
hyphen:
• Example: A carefully prepared dinner
• 2. Do NOT use a hyphen with proper
adjectives (e.g., proper nouns):
• Example: The Puerto Rican cooking
Quick Tips to Remember
• 1. Use a hyphen if the modifier comes BEFORE
the noun.
• 2. Do NOT use a hyphen if the modifier comes
AFTER the noun.
• 3. Do NOT use a hyphen with '-ly' words.
• 4. Proper nouns/adjectives do NOT get
hyphens.
Practice Examples
• 1. We enjoyed a well written story.
• Correct: A well-written story

• 2. The story was well written.


• Correct: No hyphen

• 3. She cooked a perfectly seasoned steak.


• Correct: No hyphen

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