hyphenation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hyphenation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of joining two words or parts of a word with a hyphen, often for clarity or grammatical reasons. Example: "The hyphenation of 'mother-in-law' helps clarify the relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

In March, Indian diplomats were seething when America's secretary of state, Colin Powell, announced that Pakistan was to be one of America's "major non-NATO allies"—just after a visit to Delhi where this seemed to have slipped his mind.India, however, has always aspired to rise above the "hyphenation" of itself and Pakistan, and quickly contrived to overlook the slight.

The Economist

Present-day photocomposition machines use computers to make end-of-line (hyphenation and justification) and page design decisions automatically, thereby producing copy faster and cheaper than units that require operators to make end-of-line decisions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The system includes a keyboard that produces magnetic tape or, formerly, punched paper for input, a computer for making hyphenation and other end-of-line and page-makeup decisions, and a typesetting unit for output.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The computer must be programmed carefully for optimal word spacing and correct hyphenation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is not formally or linguistically daring — none of his work is — but it exhibits a quiet avant-gardism of content, for it was one of the first works of fiction by a Korean-American to describe, with subtlety and insight, the difficult hyphenation of immigrant experience.

The New Yorker

Or, at least, it is a vision of America, one that Roth's personal hero, Saul Bellow, boldly set out with Augie March's introductory phrase: "I am an American, Chicago born" — six momentous words that, as Roth has pointed out, Bellow's son of Jewish immigrants issues without apology or ethnic hyphenation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

This was before I discovered a good therapist, before I discovered Prozac as well as the automatic-hyphenation command that tightened all those ugly gaps between words, before I got married and had children and learned to live outside my own head, at least for a few productive hours a day.

The New Yorker

Theirs is a world in which writing for The New Yorker is "a sure friendship-killer," theirs is a life in which magazine fact checkers leave multiple phone messages to query the non-hyphenation of the word "dimwit".

The New York Times - Books

Fortunately for us both and our now-partners, Mr House wasn't keen and we both have far happier hyphenations to look forward to.

Independent

But apparently, yes – while hyphenations of both surnames are becoming more common, it is still rare for a woman to pass on her surname when it is different from the father's.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But the hyphenations could also be metaphoric: lace-curtain Irish required some knowledge of social history, much as baby-boom generation does today.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hyphenation" in the context of cultural or ethnic identity, be mindful of potential sensitivities and preferred terminology.

Common error

Avoid using hyphens unnecessarily, especially when the meaning of a compound modifier is clear without one. For instance, write 'highly effective strategy' instead of 'highly-effective strategy'.

Linguistic Context

Hyphenation functions primarily as a noun, referring to the inclusion of hyphens, especially their correct placement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It can describe both the process of adding hyphens and the state of being hyphenated.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "hyphenation" is a grammatically sound noun that refers to the inclusion or process of using hyphens, especially in their correct locations. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Primarily found in contexts such as news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, "hyphenation" serves to clarify word meanings, particularly in compound modifiers, and to divide words at the end of lines in typography. While generally straightforward, its precise application often depends on style guides, and overuse should be avoided. Common alternatives include "use of hyphens" and "word division".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correct hyphenation

Emphasizes the importance of accurate and grammatically sound hyphen usage.

use of hyphens

Focuses on the act of using hyphens rather than the process itself.

hyphen usage

Similar to "use of hyphens", emphasizing the practical application of hyphens.

word division

Specifically refers to breaking words at the end of a line, using a hyphen.

joining with hyphens

Describes the action of connecting words or parts of words using hyphens.

compound word formation

Broader term encompassing the creation of new words through hyphenation and other methods.

application of hyphens

Focuses on the implementation of hyphens in writing and typography.

the art of hyphenating

Highlights the skill and precision involved in correctly using hyphens.

practice of hyphenation

Describes the habitual or customary use of hyphens in writing.

principles of hyphenation

Refers to the rules and guidelines governing the proper use of hyphens.

FAQs

How is "hyphenation" used in typography?

In typography, "hyphenation" refers to the process of breaking words at the end of a line to improve the appearance and readability of text. Modern software often includes automatic-"hyphenation" features to handle this.

What is the difference between "hyphenation" and en dash usage?

"Hyphenation" involves using hyphens to join words or divide them at the end of a line. En dashes, on the other hand, are used to indicate ranges (e.g., pages 10–20) or connections between related terms.

When is "hyphenation" necessary in compound adjectives?

"Hyphenation" is often necessary in compound adjectives that precede the noun they modify, such as 'well-known author'. However, if the compound adjective follows the noun, a hyphen is usually not needed, such as 'the author is well known'.

What are some common errors related to "hyphenation"?

Common errors include overusing hyphens in easily understood phrases, misapplying hyphenation rules in compound modifiers, and failing to consult style guides for specific cases. It's also important to be aware of situations in which "hyphen usage" is becoming less common over time.