Chapter Hyphens and Apostrophes By: Caroline O'Neill, Ashton Byars, Matthew Hopkins, and Luke Erbs

Hyphens  Hyphens are used to combine words and to show a connection between the syllables of words that are broken at the ends of lines.

Numbers  Hyphens are used to join compound numbers and fractions.  When writing two word numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine, use hyphens. Ex) twenty- three Ex) eighty-five

Fractions  When you use a fraction as an adjective, use a hyphen, but when you use a fraction as a noun, do not use a hyphen. Ex) adjective: Matthew’s hair is three-fourths black and one-fourth purple. Ex) noun: One fifth of the class is absent.

Prefixes and Suffixes  When using a prefix that is followed by a proper noun or adjective, use a hyphen. ex) Mid-October; Pre-World War II  In words with the prefixes all-, ex-, and self- and the suffix –elect, remember to use a hyphen. Ex) All-in; Ex-girlfriend

Compound Words and Compound Modifiers  To connect two or more nouns (unless a dictionary gives a different definition) make sure to use a hyphen. Ex)nine-year-olds; father-in-law use hyphens when a compound modifier comes before a noun, but do not use a hyphen with a compound modifier that includes a word ending in –ly or in a compound proper adjective Ex) I will have a well-cooked burger.

Hyphens at the end of lines  Try to avoid dividing words at the end of a line as much as possible, but if a word must be divided, divide it between syllables. Ex) You are a nice person that likes watch- ing T.V.  Remember to never place a hyphen at the beginning of a line.

Correctly Dividing Words  Do not divide one-syllable words. Ex) Incorrect: Th-ink Correct: Think  Do not divide a word to make a single letter stand alone. Ex) incorrect: A-go correct: Ago  Avoid dividing both proper nouns or proper adjectives. Ex) incorrect- Engl-ish correct- English Divide a hyphenated word only immediately following existing hyphen. Ex) incorrect: Luke gave an up-to-the-min- ute countdown. Ex)Correct: Luke gave an up-to-the- minute countdown.

Apostrophes with Possessive Nouns  Apostrophes are used with nouns to show ownership or possession.  Add an apostrophe and -s to show the possessive case of most singular nouns and plural nouns that do not end in -s or -es. Ex) Stephen’s sister won the prize.  Even when a singular noun already ends in -s, you can usually add an apostrophe and -s to show possession. Ex) Matthew Hopkins’s paper is short and sweet.

Apostrophes with possessive nouns cont.  In classical or ancient names that end in -se, it is common to omit the final -s to make pronunciation easier. Ex) Jesus’ life was worth more than we can imagine. Ex) Ulysses’ boat was very big.  Add an apostrophe to show the possessive case of plural nouns ending in -s or -es. Do not add an -s. Ex) The glasses’ lens were very dirty.

Possessive noun cont.  Add an apostrophe and -s (or just an apostrophe if the word is plural ending in -s) to the last word of a compound noun to form the possessive. Ex) My sister-in-law’s brother came over.

Apostrophes with pronouns  Use an apostrophe and -s with indefinite pronouns to show possession. Ex) Somebody’s jacket Do not use an apostrophe with possessive personal pronouns. Ex) The boy left his jacket at the game.

Apostrophes with contractions  Use an apostrophe in a contraction to show where one or more letters have been omitted. Ex) is not= isn’t Ex) they are= they’re Avoid contractions in formal speech and writing

Apostrophes to create plurals  Use an apostrophe and –s to create the plural form of a letter, numeral, or a word uses as a name for itself. Ex) There are three A’s on his report card.

The End!