Transcript Verbs - School District of Bonduel

Punctuation
Chapter
26
End Marks
Periods - Use a period to end a declarative
sentence, an imperative sentence, and an
indirect question. Use a period to end
most abbreviations.
Declarative Sentence – a statement
punctuated with a period
- Theodore Roosevelt was president of the
United States.
Imperative Sentence – a statement that
gives an order or a direction and ends with
either a period or an exclamation mark
- Drive straight ahead.
Indirect Question – restates a question in a
declarative sentence
- I asked where we were going.
Abbreviations – Use a period to end most
abbreviations. When a sentence ends with
an abbreviation that makes use of a period,
it is not necessary to put a second period at
the end.
- Mr. Rd. Tenn. Mt. Dr. St. Gen.
Using the Period
The following sentences do not have
periods. Add periods where they are
needed. If the sentence is correct, state
the sentence is correct.
• A V Humboldt helped to develop
geography as a science
- A.V. Humboldt helped to develop
geography as a science.
• Today, one wonders how geographers
categorize deserts
– Today, one wonders how geographers
categorize deserts.
• He asked how deserts form.
– correct
• During their cross-country drive, Mr and
Mrs Lynch stopped in St Louis, MO, as
they drove west
– During their cross-country drive, Mr. and
Mrs. Lynch stopped in St. Louis, MO., as
they drove west.
• They also drove through the Mojave Desert
in California.
– correct
Question Mark
Use a question mark to end an interrogative
sentence. Use a question mark to end an
incomplete question in which the rest of
the question is understood. Use a question
mark to end a statement that is intended
as a question.
Interrogative Sentence – a sentence that is
punctuated with a question mark
- Who are you?
- Was there a valid reason for her absence?
Do not confuse an interrogative sentence,
which is a direct question, with an indirect
question. An indirect question requires no
answer and should end with a period.
Incomplete Question – Sometimes a single
word or phrase is used to ask a question.
Use a question mark to end an incomplete
question in which the rest of the question is
understood.
- Certainly, we should have lunch. Where?
- Of course, I will meet you. Where?
Statement Intended as a Question – A
question that shows surprise is sometimes
phrased as a declarative sentence. Use a
question mark to indicate that the sentence
is a question.
- We are early?
- There is no electricity?
Supplying Question Marks
and Periods
Each of the following sentences is either a
direct question, on indirect question, or a
statement intended as a question. Add
the correct end marks to each of the
following questions.
• How are the deserts formed
- How are the deserts formed?
• I just had to ask why deserts are hot and dry
– I just had to ask why deserts are hot and
dry.
• Don’t deserts form in areas of high
atmospheric pressure
– Don’t deserts form in areas of high
atmospheric pressure?
• Deserts are formed because of large-scale
climatic patterns
– Deserts are formed because of largescale climatic patterns.
• Why might deserts form behind mountain
ranges
– Why might deserts form behind mountain
ranges?
• Mountain ranges create a rain shadow effect
Where did you learn that
– Mountain ranges create a rain shadow
effect. Where did you learn that?
Exclamation Mark
Use an exclamation mark to end an
exclamatory sentence or an imperative
sentence if the command is urgent and
forceful. Use an exclamation mark after an
interjection expressing strong emotion.
Exclamatory Sentence – a statement
showing strong emotion
- That was a wonderful trip!
Imperative Sentence – a statement that
gives an order or a direction and ends with
either a period or an exclamation mark. Use
an exclamation mark after an imperative
sentence if the command is urgent and
forceful.
- Be quiet!
Interjection – a word or a phrase that
expresses feeling or emotion and functions
independently of a sentence
- Wow! This is fun.
- Oh! You’ve ruined the surprise!
Note About Using Exclamation Marks:
Exclamation marks should not be used too
often. Overusing them makes writing too
emotional and less effective.
Supplying Exclamation Marks
to Sentences
Add exclamation marks as needed. Then,
label each item an exclamatory sentence
(exc), Imperative Sentence (imp),
Interjection (int), or Declarative (dec)
• I hate being lost in a desert
- I hate being lost in a desert!; exc
• I want water
– I want water!; exc
• Yippee It’s going to rain
– Yippee! It’s going to rain!; int, exc
• Oh no It’s a flash flood
– Oh no! It’s a flash flood!; int, exc
• Get to high water
– Get to high water!; imp
• Hurry The water is rising quickly
– Hurry! The water is rising quickly.; int, dec
• Oh no It’s a flash flood
– Oh no! It’s a flash flood!; int, exc
Supplying End Marks
Add the correct end marks to each
sentence.
• How would you describe a desert
- How would you describe a desert?
• Hot Very hot
– Hot! Very hot!
• Are you sure of your answer
– Are you sure of your answer?
• Were you aware that not all regions defined
as deserts are in warm climates
– Were you aware that not all regions
defined as deserts are in warm climates?
• Imagine Deserts can be found in some
regions of the North and South pole
– Imagine! Deserts can be found in some
regions of the North and South pole.
• They are called deserts because moisture
freezes and plant life cannot grow
– They are called deserts because moisture
freezes and plant life cannot grow.
• I must ask whether you would like to learn
more about these frozen deserts
– I must ask whether you would like to learn
more about these frozen deserts.
• Well, use library resources to answer all your
questions
– Well, use library resources to answer all
your questions.
• Good luck
– Good luck!
• Tom wondered where he could find books
– Tome wondered where he could find
books.
Commas with Compound
Sentences
A compound sentence consists of two or
more independent clauses that are joined by
a coordinating conjunction, such as and, but,
for, nor, or, so, or yet.
- The Thar Desert has little rain or
vegetation, and the herders must collect the
leaves from the tops of trees for their flocks.
Use a comma before a conjunction only
when there are complete sentences on both
sides of the conjunction. If the conjunction
joins single words, phrases, or subordinate
clauses, do not use a comma.
Single Words: Heat and sand are common
desert features.
Phrases: Deserts are found north and
south of the equator.
Subordinate Clauses: They have decided
that you should study more and that you
should watch less television.
Using Commas with
Compound Sentences
Commas have been left out of the following
compound sentences. Read each sentence
and add commas where they are needed.
• The Thar Desert spans India and Pakistan
and it is one of the world’s harshest areas.
– The Thar Desert spans India and
Pakistan, and it is one of the world’s
harshest areas.
• However, a rich desert culture and colorful
people can be found in the Thar.
– correct
• You can take a bus tour or you can join a
camel safari.
– You can take a bus tour, or you can join
a camel safari.
• You’ll have a great time visiting the
villages and exploring the markets.
– correct
• You won’t be disappointed nor will you
ever forget your visit.
– You won’t be disappointed, nor will you
ever forget your visit.
Using Commas Between Items in
a Series
Use commas to separate three or more words,
phrases, or clauses in a series.
Series of Words: The desert animals included
camels, toads, gerbils, and insects.
Series of Phrases: The treasure map directed
them over the dunes, into the oasis, and past the
palm tree.
Series of Clauses: The house was rather quiet
before she arrived, before her luggage was piled up
in the hall, and before her three poodles took over.
• Exception 1: When each item is joined to
the next by a conjunction, no commas are
necessary.
– For this journey, you will need two
camels and a guide and a canteen.
• Exception 2: No commas are necessary
when words that are considered to be one
item.
– Every table in the diner was set with a
knife and fork, a cup and saucer, and
salt and pepper.
Using Commas Between
Items in a Series
In each of the following sentences, add
commas as needed. State correct if no
comma is needed.
• The surface of a desert may be covered
with sand gravel or polished stones.
– The surface of a desert may be covered
with sand, gravel, or polished stones.
• An oasis is a place where ground water
pools plant growth flourishes and animals
begin to feed.
– An oasis is a place where ground water
pools, plant growth flourishes, and animals
begin to feed.
• The location of deserts is determined by
ocean currents the location of mountains
and prevailing wind patterns.
– The location of deserts is determined by
ocean currents, the location of mountains,
and prevailing wind patterns.
• Most deserts are located near and between
the Tropic of Cancer the equator and the
Tropic of Capricorn.
– Most deserts are located near and
between the Tropic of Cancer, the
equator, and the Tropic of Capricorn.
• The Gobi and the Takia Makan and Kyzyl
Kum are some Asian deserts..
– correct
Using Commas Between Adjectives
Use commas to separate adjectives of equal
rank. Do not use commas to separate
adjectives that must stay in a specific order.
With Commas: He drove a shiny, green
sedan.
Without Commas: The attic was filled with
many old clothes.
Note About Commas With Adjectives:
Never use a comma to separate the last
adjective in a series from the noun it
modifies.
Incorrect: A large, gentle-looking, camel
sat by the road.
Correct: A large, gentle-looking camel sat
by the road.
Commas Between Adjectives
In each of the following sentences, two
adjectives have been underlined. Add
commas between the two adjectives only
where necessary. State correct if no comma
is needed.
• The long dry stretches of sand were
mesmerizing.
– The long, dry stretches of sand were
mesmerizing.
• Two small goats were grazing.
– correct
• A large threatening vulture circled
overhead.
– A large, threatening vulture circled
overhead.
• The white fluffy clouds were an illusion.
– The white, fluffy clouds were an illusion.
Commas After Introductory
Material
Use a comma after an introductory word,
phrase, or clause
Introductory Word: Yes, Jim is our best
debater.
Introductory Phrase: With very little money,
she left home for the big city.
Introductory Clause: After he finished school,
Dick joined the Army.
Commas After Introductory
Material
Add commas as needed to set off the
introductory material in each of the following
sentences.
• Fearsome looking the desert tarantula is
three inches long.
– Fearsome looking, the desert tarantula
is three inches long.
• Shrinking back you might think it will jump
and bite you.
– Shrinking back, you might think it will
jump and bite you.
• However they can jump only a few
inches.
– However, they can jump only a few
inches.
• For the most part they are harmless
creatures.
– For the most, part they are harmless
creatures.
• Even if you are bitten the venom is not
fatal.
– Even if you are bitten, the venom is not
fatal.
Commas with Parenthetical Expressions
Use commas to set off parenthetical
expressions. (A parenthetical expression is a
word or phrase that is not essential to the
meaning of the sentence.)
Names of People Being Addressed: That’s
the right answer, Doug.
Certain Adverbs: We chose, therefore, not to go.
Common Expressions: This solution, I think, is
the best.
Contrasting Expressions: The river is long, not
deep.
A parenthetical expression at the end of a
sentence needs only one comma.
The decision should be min, not ours.
Commas with Parenthetical
Expressions
Add commas as needed to set off the
parenthetical expressions in each of the
following sentences.
• The position of Earth’s deserts is
explainable not accidental.
– The position of Earth’s deserts is
explainable, not accidental.
• Without a doubt Jason Earth’s tilt on its
axis contributes to the desert climates.
– Without a doubt, Jason, Earth’s tilt on its
axis contributes to the desert climates.
• Different areas of Earth as we know are
angled toward the sun at specific times
each year.
– Different areas of Earth, as we know,
are angled toward the sun at specific
times each year.
• The sun same areas of course do not
receive as much sunlight at other times.
– The sun same areas, of course, do not
receive as much sunlight at other times.
• This tilt of Earth therefore causes the four
seasons.
– This tilt of Earth, therefore, causes the
four seasons.
Commas That Set Off
Nonessential Expressions
To determine when a phrase or clause
should be set off with commas, decide
whether the phrase or clause is essential or
nonessential to the meaning of the
sentence.
Appositives and Appositive Phrases – a
noun or pronoun placed after another noun
or pronoun to identify, rename, or explain
the preceding word
Essential: The 1943 movie Sahara takes
place in North Africa.
Nonessential: Sahara, a movie, takes
place in North Africa.
Participial Phrases – a group of words
made up of a participial and its modifiers
and complements that acts as an adjective
Essential: The man waiting in the van is
our guide.
Nonessential: Pat, waiting in the van,
asked us to hurry.
Adjective Clauses– a subordinate clause
that modifies a noun or pronoun
Essential: We need someone who can
lead us to the oasis.
Nonessential: We cheered enthusiastically
for Darius, who could lead us to the oasis.
Commas That Set Off
Nonessential Expressions
Add commas to set off nonessential
expressions. Not every sentence contains a
nonessential expression. If the material is
essential, state essential.
• The Joshua tree a desert plant has thin
leaves to slow water loss.
– The Joshua tree, a desert plant, has thin
leaves to slow water loss.
• The baboon eating the baobab fruit
belongs to the zoo.
– essential
• Desert insects dormant for most of the
year appear when rain causes flowers to
bloom.
– Desert insects, dormant for most of the
year, appear when rain causes flowers
to bloom.
• Ostriches are large African birds that lay
eggs with very hard shells.
– essential
• The roadrunner racing by our car could fly
if it had to.
– The roadrunner, racing by our car, could
fly if it had to.
Using Commas With Dates and
Geographical Names
Dates usually have several parts, including
months, days, and years. Commas prevent
such dates from being unclear.
When a date is made up of two or more parts,
use a comma after each item except in the
case of a month followed by a day.
Examples:
Saturday, July 20, is their anniversary.
January 1, 1945, was the beginning of an
exciting year.
September 7, 1999, was my first day of
school.
When dates contain only months and years,
commas are unnecessary.
Examples:
It wasn’t until July 1999 that records were
kept for the part of the Sahara.
When a geographical name is made up of two
or more parts, use a comma after each item.
Examples:
Many antiquities were stolen from Cairo,
Egypt, and shipped to Paris, France.
Using Commas With Dates
and Geographical Names
Insert commas where they are needed.
State correct if no comma is needed.
• They began their cruise on the Nile near
Alexandria Egypt in June.
– They began their cruise on the Nile near
Alexandria, Egypt, in June.
• There was no reason to go to New Delhi
India in June.
– There was no reason to go to New
Delhi, India, in June.
• We were in India in August 1999; the
monsoon affected our journey.
– correct
• However by January 6 2000 we’d left for
home.
– However, by January 6, 2000, we’d left
for home.
• Amman Jordan is the capital of that mostly
arid country.
– Amman, Jordan, is the capital of that
mostly arid country.
Using Commas in Other
Situations
The following rules govern the use of
commas in addresses, letter salutations and
closings, numbers, and quotations. A final
rule concerns using commas to avoid
misunderstandings.
Use a comma after each item in an address made up
of two or more parts. Commas are placed after the
name, street, and city. No commas separates the
state from the ZIP Code.
Examples:
Write to Maxwell Hunnicutt, 54 Monmouth
Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243
Fewer commas are needed when an address is
stacked.
Maxwell Hunnicutt
54 Monmouth Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75243
Use a comma after the salutation in a
personal letter and after the closing to all
letters.
Salutations: Dear Bill, Dear Aunt Kathy,
Closings: Sincerely,
Best wishes,
With numbers of more than three digits,
insert a comma before every third digit,
counting from the right.
Example: 1,750 feet
3,608,787 square miles
Note About Commas With Numbers: Do
not use commas with ZIP Codes, telephone
numbers, page numbers, or serial numbers.
Use commas to set off a direct quotation
from the rest of a sentence.
Example: Bret said, “Hold the door open.”
“I can’t,” Lorna replied, “because
my arms are full of books.”
Use a comma to prevent a sentence from
being misunderstood.
Without commas, the following sentences
are confusing. The addition of commas
clarifies the meaning.
Unclear: Beyond the mountains were
clearly visible.
Clear: Beyond, the mountains were clearly
visible.
Using Commas in Other
Situations
Add commas where they are needed.
• Kayla said “Two kinds of camels live in the
desert.”
– Kayla said, “Two kinds of camels live in
the desert.”
• Nearby the one-humped dromedary
waited patiently.
– Nearby, the one-humped dromedary
waited patiently.
• “Camels store food in their humps and in
parts of their stomachs” he said “so they
can go a long time without food or drink.”
– “Camels store food in their humps and in
parts of their stomachs,” he said, “so
they can go a long time without food or
drink.”
• The area of Mongolia where many camels
live the harsh Gobi is 604800 square
miles.
– The area of Mongolia where many
camels live, the harsh Gobi, is 604,800
square miles.
• To find out more write the Camel Cruise
Corporation 1035 Camelback Way New
Found City Hawaii 99900.
– To find out more, write the Camel Cruise
Corporation, 1035 Camelback Way,
New Found City, Hawaii 99900.
• “We went on a camel cruise last year” she
told us excitedly.
– “We went on a camel cruise last year,”
she told us excitedly.
SEMICOLONS
Joins related independent clauses and takes
place of a comma or a period.
Use a semicolon to join independent clauses
that are not already joined by the
conjunctions and, or, nor, for, but, so, or yet.
No Conjunction: Sarah’s best subject is
math; John’s is science.
Semicolons may also be used to join
independent clauses separated by either a
conjunctive adverb or a transitional
expression.
Conjunctive Adverbs – also, besides,
furthermore, however, indeed, instead,
moreover, nevertheless, otherwise, then,
therefore, thus
Conjunctive Adverb: We expect to win
easily; nevertheless, we are still practicing
very hard.
Transitional Expressions – as a result, at
this time, consequently, first, for instance, in
fact, on the other hand, second, that is
Transitional Expression: His sister is an
outstanding poet; as a result, she won the
school poetry contest.
NOTE: Remember to place a comma after
the conjunctive adverb or transitional
expression.
A semicolon may be used to avoid confusion
when independent clauses or items in a
series already contain commas.
Important dates in Jamestown history are
April 30, 1607; September 10, 1607; and
January 7, 1608.
Using Semicolons
In each sentence a comma is used instead
of a semicolon. Circle the comma to show
that a semicolon is needed.
English investors supported the Jamestown
settlement, therefore, Virginia because a
popular destination.
- settlement; therefore
The desire to acquire land inspired the
colonists, indeed, many Virginians joined in
the westward expansion.
- colonists; indeed
It was not an easy voyage, the immigrants
traveled on small ships for many months.
- voyage; the
The cities of Williamsburg, Virginia, New
Bern, North Carolina, Charleston, South
Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, became
centers of commerce.
- Williamsburg, Virginia; New Bern,
North Carolina; Charleston, South
Carolina;
In Williamsburg, particularly, there were wig
makers, who provided wigs for successful
men and women, saddlers, who made
saddles and other horse equipment, and
cabinet makers, who produced fine furniture.
- women; saddlers
- equipment; and
COLONS
The colon directs attention to the information
that follows it.
Use a colon before a list of items following
an independent clause.
Example:
You can visit these historic places in
Virginia: the Jamestown Archaeological
Laboratory, Jamestown Festival Park, and
James Fort.
A colon is used to indicate time with
numerals, to end salutations in business
letters, and to signal important ideas.
Numeral Giving the Time:
3:04 P.M.
Salutations in Business Letters:
Dear Ms. Loberg:
Labels:
Notice: Shop is closed for repairs.
Using Colons
Add colons where they are needed.
We bought three items a pencil, a pen, and
an eraser.
- We bought three items:
The settler wanted three things a horse, a
saddle, and boots.
- The settler wanted three things:
Settlers in Virginia during the early
eighteenth century included German settlers
of many religious backgrounds Amish,
Lutherans, and Mennonites.
- backgrounds: Amish
Caution Deer Crossing
- Caution: Deer Crossing
We saw several deer in the woods two
bucks, five does, and three fawns.
- woods: two bucks,
Dear Mr. Connolly
- Dear Mr. Connolly:
Notice Classes Canceled
- Notice: Classes Canceled
Gentlemen This is to inform you of a change
in schedule.
- Gentlemen: This is
The meeting will be held today at 200 P.M.,
not 330 P.M.
- 2:00 P.M., not 3:30 P.M.
The meeting will cover these topics
schedule, budget, guidelines, and goals.
- topics: schedule,
Does your flight arrive at 830 or 900?
- 8:30 or 9:00
Help Wanted Full- or Part-Time
- Help Wanted: Full-
Direct and Indirect Quotations
• A direct quotation represents a person’s
exact speech or thoughts and is enclosed
in quotation marks (“ ”).
• An indirect quotation reports the general
meaning of what a person said or thought
and does not require quotation marks.
Direct Quotations
“Set the table for breakfast,” Dad said.
“Are you ready?” she asked.
“What play was presented?” Dorothy
wondered.
Indirect Quotations
Bill said that he would help me.
Carol asked why we were going.
Tina said that she would do it for me.
State if direct or indirect quotation.
Correctly capitalize, add quotations, and
punctuate sentences as needed.
many of the descendants of prospectors who
joined the Yukon gold rush still live there said
martin
• Direct Quotation
• “Many of the descendants of prospectors
who joined the Yukon gold rush still live
there,” said Martin.
chloe recalled that as a child her mother had
visited the yukon territory
• Indirect Quotation
• Chloe recalled that as a child her mother
had visited the Yukon Territory.
the yukon gold rush said jake took place in
canada
• Direct Quotation
• “The Yukon gold rush,” said Jake, “took
place in Canada.”
why asked meredith do you make that
statement
• Direct Quotation
• Why,” asked Meredith, “do you make that
statement?”
jake replied that many people still think that
the yukon territory is in alaska
• Indirect Quotation
• Jake replied that many people still think
that the Yukon Territory is in Alaska.
Direct Quotations with
Introductory, Concluding, and
Interrupting Expressions
Expressions such as he asked are often
used to identify the speaker in a direct
quotation. These expressions can begin,
conclude, or interrupt a quotation.
Capitalize the first word of the initial
quotation in each sentence.
Elena said, “We will need at least twelve
more.”
Punctuation marks are usually placed inside
the quotation marks.
Introductory Expressions
Barbara said, “Let’s shovel the snow.”
Concluding Expressions
“I am happy,” said Bill
“Will you join us tomorrow?” we asked.
Interrupting Expressions
“That,” we were informed, “is a snow leopard.”
Two Sentences
“This is not the right way,” George said. “Let’s
turn back.”
Correctly capitalize, add quotations, and
punctuate sentences as needed.
have you ever visited colonial williamsburg
asked keesha
• “Have you ever visited Colonial
Williamsburg?” asked Keesha.
not since i was in second grade i answered
• “Not since I was in second grade,” I
answered.
keesha said that she’d been there during
spring vacation
• Keesha said that she’d been there during
spring vacation.
there is so much history she exclaimed it’s
called the largest living museum in the world
• “There is so much history!” she exclaimed.
“It’s called the largest living museum in the
world.”
Quotation Marks for Dialogue
• Place a comma or a period inside the final
quotation mark.
• Place a question mark or exclamation
mark inside the final quotation mark if the
end mark is part of the quotation and
outside if the end mark is part of the
entire sentence, not the quotation.
Read each sentence and decide if the
missing punctuation goes inside or outside
the quotation marks. Then, add the
necessary punctuation.
How dare you say, “You weren’t invited”
• How dare you say, “You weren’t invited”!
Will anyone say, “That is not what I meant”
• Will anyone say, “That is not what I meant”?
My friend asked, “Why does firing a pistol
start the race”
• My friend asked, “Why does firing a pistol
start the race?”
The pilot continued, “Is this your first flight”
• The pilot continued, “Is this your first
flight?”
Zelda excitedly announced, “I got the job”
• Zelda excitedly announced, “I got the job!”
Ben said, “All he had ever asked for was a
fair chance”
• Ben said, “All he had ever asked for was a
fair chance.”
Underlining and Other Uses
of Quotation Marks
• Underline or italicize the titles of long
written works, publications published as a
single work, movies, television and radio
series, and works of music and art.
• Underline the names of individual air, sea,
space, and land craft.
WORKS THAT ARE UNDERLINED
or ITALICIZED
Title of a Book:
The Deerslayer
Title of a Play:
King Lear
Title of a Movie:
Star Wars
Title of a Television Series: Victory at Sea
Title of a Painting:
Night Watch
Name of Sea Craft:
the Lusitania
Number Used as Name:
Thirteen is an unlucky number.
• Use quotation marks around the titles of
short written works, episodes in a series,
songs, parts of a long musical
composition, and the title of a work that is
mentioned as part of a collection.
WORKS WITH QUOTATION MARKS
Title of a Short Story: “The Purloined Letter”
Title of an Article:
“How to Train Your Dog”
Title of a Song:
“Night and Day”
Each of the following sentences contains
a title that needs quotation marks. Some
of the sentences also contain titles that
need underlining. Either enclose the titles
in quotation marks or underline them.
My favorite book is Gone With the Wind.
• My favorite book is Gone With the Wind.
Have you ever seen Touched by an angel
on television?
• Have you ever seen Touched by an Angel
on television?
My favorite song is Getting to Know You
from The King and I.
• My favorite song is “Getting to Know You”
from The King and I.
The first ships to arrive in Virginia were the
Susan Constant, the Goodspeed, and the
Discovery.
• The first ships to arrive in Virginia were the
Susan Constant, the Goodspeed, and the
Discovery.
Shenandoah is a song about the
Shenandoah River valley in Virginia.
• “Shenandoah” is a song about the
Shenandoah River valley in Virginia.
When to Use the Hyphen
• A hyphen is used to form numbers from
twenty-one to ninety-nine and with
fractions that are used as adjectives.
• Hyphens are also used with certain
prefixes and suffixes, and with certain
compound nouns and modifiers.
• Do not use hyphens with compound
proper adjectives or modifiers that include
a word ending in ly.
USES OF THE HYPHEN
With Numbers:
seventy-five books
With Fractions Used as Adjectives:
the three-fifths rule
Prefixes and Suffixes: post-season game
ex-senator
Compound Nouns:
great-grandmother
Compound Modifiers: once-a-month meeting
Put hyphens where they are necessary.
State correct if the sentence is correct.
Sir John Franklin was the first nonnative to
see any part of the Yukon Territory.
• Correct
Franklin was a self confident man.
• Franklin was a self-confident man.
He first reached the Yukon from the Arctic
side, a once in a lifetime accomplishment.
• He first reached the Yukon from the Arctic
side, a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment.
In 1841, Robert Campbell explored the
Yukon, thirty four years after the Hudson
Bay Company navigated the area.
• In 1841, Robert Campbell explored the
Yukon, thirty-four years after the Hudson
Bay Company navigated the area.
Rules for Dividing Words at
the End of a Line
• Divide words only between syllables.
• Do not divide a word so that a single letter
stands alone and do not divide proper
nouns or project adjectives.
• Divide a hyphenated word only after the
hyphen.
DIVIDING WORDS
Correct
Incorrect
mid-dle
midd-le
Afar
a-far
Henry
Hen-ry
empty-hand-ed
emp-ty-handed
Decide whether you can hyphenate each
of the following words. If you can divide
the word, spell out the word and state
hyphen at each point that it can be
divided. If it cannot be divided, state
correct.
counter
• coun-ter
empty-handed
• empty-handed
engage
• en-gage
snowfall
• snow-fall
tent
• tent
regroup
• re-group
overrun
• over-run
Bibliography
Carroll, Joyce A., Edward E. Wilson, and
Gary Forlini. Prentice Hall Writing and
Grammar. Boston, Massachusetts:
Pearson Prentice Hall, 2008.