hyphenated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hyphenated" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to words that are joined by a hyphen or when describing something that has a hyphenated form. An example is: "The well-known author gave a lecture." Alternative expressions include "hyphenated form" and "hyphenated word."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Old names, which could be passed down through the generations, would remain single-hyphenated or not hyphenated at all.

Independent

Invariably it had to be hyphenated on to the row below.

The Guardian

When rebuked for that, Mr Kunitz, who had been barred as a Jew from teaching at Harvard in 1927, made a sharp reply: "I am an American free-thinker, a damn stubborn one, and my poetry is not hyphenated".

The Economist

Alain-Fournier an oddly hyphenAlain-Fournier anym adoddly to avoid confusion withyphenated driver—was misspelled by an editor the first time Fournier used it, adoptedstoll often mavoidd.Some think this confusionobscurity deserved, finding "Le Grand Meaulnes" mawithh and melodracingc, its plot contrivedriver was

The Economist

No longer, its politicians gloated, was India "hyphenated" with Pakistan as one half of a potential nuclear maelstrom.

The Economist

Now, to get the terminology sorted out early, the official name of the service that connects London and Paris with La Serenissima is the curiously hyphenated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express Simplon-Orient-Express Simplon-Orient-Express

Independent

He was just as brisk when someone suggested that the swear words might be hyphenated into semi-decency.

Independent

Though Fay and Michael found that collaborating put too much strain on their marriage – "The time came when I felt as if we were together 48 hours a day" – they had trouble selling solo efforts ("We were hyphenated in people's minds").

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

In these cases the last letters will be abandoned, speaces eliminated in compound names, and hyphens removed from hyphenated names".

The New Yorker

Everyone in UMNO agrees that trouble lies ahead.In this section Reflecting on the Taliban Further into Taliban country Money politics, continued War without bloodshed Rejoice, damn you Versailles in green nylon Rudd floats an Asian balloon Um, no change Re-hyphenated ReprintsCan it be averted?

The Economist

On the left, the outpouring of patriotism, and the renewed focus on what holds Americans together, is likely to erode the influence of those who see the country largely as a coalition of ethnic subgroups and hyphenated-Americans.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "hyphenated" to describe nationalities or ethnicities, be mindful of the individual's preference and self-identification. Some individuals may prefer to be identified without the hyphen.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all compound words require a hyphen. Hyphenation rules can be complex and context-dependent; consult a style guide or dictionary when in doubt.

Linguistic Context

The term "hyphenated" primarily functions as an adjective, describing something that includes a hyphen or combines multiple elements, such as a word or a person's identity. Ludwig provides examples of it describing words and identities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academic

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "hyphenated" functions mainly as an adjective, describing compound words or combined identities. Ludwig confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its usage spans from neutral to formal registers, frequently appearing in journalistic and encyclopedic contexts. Understanding its application is key to accurately describing both linguistic constructs and cultural identities, while respecting individual preferences in self-identification. As noted in Ludwig, it is especially important to use the term with cultural sensitivity when discussing ethnic backgrounds.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Joined with a hyphen

Explicitly describes the act of connecting words or elements using a hyphen.

Dual-heritage

Specifically refers to having two heritages, similar to the concept of a hyphenated national or ethnic identity.

Compound

Refers to words or entities formed by combining two or more parts, similar to how a hyphen joins elements.

Combined

Indicates the merging of two or more things into a single entity, analogous to hyphenation.

Linked

Implies a connection between two or more things, akin to the linking function of a hyphen.

Multi-ethnic

Describes individuals or groups with multiple ethnic backgrounds, mirroring the concept of hyphenated identities.

Integrated

Suggests a blending of different parts into a unified whole, paralleling the combination achieved through hyphenation.

Cross-cultural

Relates to the interaction and combination of different cultures, similar to the idea of hyphenated cultural identities.

Blended

Describes the merging of different components, comparable to how hyphenation combines words or identities.

Hybridized

Indicates a mixture of different elements, reflecting the blending aspect of hyphenation.

FAQs

How can I use "hyphenated" in a sentence?

You can use "hyphenated" to describe words joined by a hyphen, such as "well-being", or identities that combine multiple heritages, like "Italian-American". For example: "Some dictionaries list "hyphenated words" as though they contained no punctuation."

What does it mean when someone refers to a "hyphenated American"?

A "hyphenated American" refers to an American citizen who identifies with more than one cultural or ethnic background, such as "African-American" or "Irish-American". It signifies a dual heritage.

Are there situations where using "hyphenated" to describe someone might be inappropriate?

Yes, some individuals may find the term limiting or prefer to be identified solely as "American" or by their specific ethnicity without the hyphen. Always respect personal preferences and cultural sensitivities.

What are some examples of commonly "hyphenated" words in the English language?

Common examples include "state-of-the-art", "well-known", "long-term", "user-friendly", and "high-quality". These words combine two or more words to function as a single adjective or noun.