Confused about hyphens? I would like to share this article from Ragan Communications on the correct use of hyphens. I have keynoted the Ragan Speechwriters Conference several times and sometimes I have just attended as a participant. All Ragan’s information is helpful, especially in regards to writing. As you strive for excellence in all areas of your business communications, remember that good speakers can benefit from learning the secrets of good writers. Hope you find this as helpful as I did. Thanks Ragan Communications!
Read More...5 Cases of Too Few or Too Many Hyphens
The author offers guidance through some all-too-common examples of erroneous hyphenation.
By Mark Nichol
When it comes to hyphenation, prose often suffers from the Goldilocks effect: either too much or too little, but seldom just right. Here are some erroneously constructed elements along with repaired revisions that let them eat, sit, or sleep with contentment.
1. “Scientists have found that a second, as-yet smaller wave of mussel extinctions followed in the late twentieth century.”
The key point is not a smaller wave that is as yet-that makes no sense. The reference is to a wave that is as yet, or up to now, smaller; it’s an as-yet-smaller wave: “Scientists have found that a second, as-yet-smaller wave of mussel extinctions followed in the late twentieth century.”
2. “They criticized the arbitrary measures taken so far on the air-travel security front.”
