Flashcards on English Punctuation and Spelling Guide
English Punctuation & Spelling Guide for Students
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Punctuation: Hyphens and Linking Words
18 cards
Card 1
Question: What is the graphical and usage difference between a hyphen (-) and a dash (—) according to the text?
Answer: The hyphen is used to join parts of words and compounds; the dash is longer and separates strong interruptions in a sentence. If a dash is not availab
Card 2
Question: Where should a hyphen be placed when a word is broken at the end of a line?
Answer: The hyphen should be written at the end of the line where the word is broken, not at the beginning of the next line.
Card 3
Question: When is it essential to use a hyphen in compound modifiers? Provide an example that shows the difference in meaning.
Answer: It is essential when the hyphen prevents ambiguity by joining words that function together as a modifier before the noun. Example: “a ten-year-old son
Card 4
Question: Mention three principles that should guide the use of the hyphen.
Answer: 1) Seek clarity; 2) Do not use a hyphen unless necessary; 3) Follow established usage whenever possible (consult a dictionary).
Card 5
Question: What does the text recommend regarding consulting dictionaries about hyphens?
Answer: Consult good dictionaries (e.g., Longman or Collins) to follow established usage; Chambers and Oxford tend to retain outdated hyphens.
Card 6
Question: How should the spelling of ‘double-barrelled names’ be handled?
Answer: Hyphens are normally used (e.g., Jean-Paul), but the person's preferred spelling should be respected (e.g., Jean Paul Sartre).
Card 7
Question: Provide examples that illustrate when omitting or including a hyphen avoids confusion with prefixes (re-, un-).
Answer: Including a hyphen may be necessary: “She re-covered the sofa” (covered again) vs. “She recovered the sofa” (got back). Also consider “re-living” if r
Card 8
Question: When must a hyphen be placed after a prefix? List the three cases.
Answer: 1) If it is followed by a capital letter or a number (non-EC, pre-1500); 2) if the word it is added to already has a hyphen (non-bribe-taking); 3) if
Card 9
Question: What rule is given regarding writing prefixes as separate words?
Answer: A prefix should not be written as if it were a separate word: incorrect examples include “post war period”, “mini computer”, “non communist countries”
Card 10
Question: How is the hyphen used to avoid repetition when joining parts of words (word fragments)?
Answer: The prefix or root is written with a hyphen to indicate it's a fragment: “Pre- and post-war Berlin” or “socio- and psycholinguistics”, placing the hyp