Use of Hyphen(-) Hyphens are used divide words at the end of line when the word cannot fit on the remainder of the line. There are six rules to follow.
1. Divide the word between syllables. It means, that one-syllable words are NEVER divided.
Incorrect Incorrect Correct
sp- su- sup- orts pport port
2. The hyphen goes at the end of the firts line.
Incorrect Correct
sup- sup- -port port
3. Prefixes and suffixes make natural divisions.
Incorrect Correct
in- inter- ternational national
4. Do not divide proper nouns or adjectives.
Incorrect Correct
Pakis- Pakistan tan
5. There should be at least two letters plus the hyphen on the first line and three letters on the second line.
Incorrect Incorrect Correct
s- supposed- sup- upposedly ly posedly
6. Divide hyphenated word using the hyphen already in the word.
The main purpose of hyphens is to put words together. They tell the reader that two or more words are related. As with any other punctuation mark, there are rules which establish when to use hyphens correctly.
One of these rules sets that you should hyphenate all compound numbers from<em> twenty-one</em> through <em>ninety-nine</em>. Therefore, the sentence that uses a hyphen correctly in the examples is B: I need thirty-six colors for this painting.
