We've already talked about hyphenating compound modifiers, so this week let's focus on the rules surround hyphenating prefixes and suffixes. There are certain occasions when a hyphen is required when affixing a prefix or a suffix to a base word.
:: A hyphen is required when the base word is a proper adjective.
- un-American
- anti-American
- pre-Raphaelite
:: Hyphens may be used when two words being joined would create a triple consonant.
- bell-like
:: Hyphens are used to distinguish between homographs (words that sound the same but have different meanings).
- re-sent vs. resent
- re-cover vs. recover
:: In many instances, a hyphen is used when doubling a vowel. However, this is definitely one to consult a dictionary on, because there are numerous exceptions.
- de-emphasize
- anti-inflammatory
- intra-articular
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