Hyfen vs. Hyphen: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on March 11, 2024
Hyfen is an incorrect spelling, while Hyphen is correct. A hyphen is a punctuation mark used to join words or parts of words.
Which is correct: Hyfen or Hyphen
How to spell Hyphen?
Hyfen is Incorrect
Hyphen is Correct
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Key Differences
Remember "Hyphen" has a "ph", like "phone" or "graph".
Associate "Hyphen" with "typography", both containing a "ph".
Think of "Hyfen" as missing the extra 'push' provided by the "ph" sound.
Note that "Hyphen" sounds similar to "high-fun", emphasizing the "ph".
Recall popular compound words using hyphens, like "mother-in-law", and visualize the "ph".
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Correct usage of Hyphen
Use a hyfen to connect two related words.
Use a hyphen to connect two related words.
Adding a hyfen can change the meaning of a sentence.
Adding a hyphen can change the meaning of a sentence.
She doesn't understand when to use a hyfen in writing.
She doesn't understand when to use a hyphen in writing.
Make sure to check if a hyfen is necessary in compound nouns.
Make sure to check if a hyphen is necessary in compound nouns.
The grammar rule involves using a hyfen for compound adjectives.
The grammar rule involves using a hyphen for compound adjectives.
Hyphen Definitions
Hyphens differentiate compound words from their separate counterparts.
Re-sign and resign have different meanings due to the hyphen.
A hyphen is a short dash used to join two words or syllables.
The term mother-in-law includes a hyphen.
Hyphens help avoid ambiguity in sentences.
A man-eating shark vs. A man eating shark.
A punctuation mark ( - ) used between the parts of a compound word or name or between the syllables of a word, especially when divided at the end of a line of text.
To hyphenate.
The symbol "‐", typically used to join two or more words to form a compound term, or to indicate that a word has been split at the end of a line.
(figuratively) Something that links two more consequential things.
An enclosed walkway or passage that connects two buildings.
Someone who belongs to a marginalized subgroup, and can therefore described by a hyphenated term, such as "German-American", "female-academic", etc.
To separate or punctuate with a hyphen; to hyphenate.
Used to emphasize the coordinating function usually indicated by the punctuation "-".
A mark or short dash, thus [-], placed at the end of a line which terminates with a syllable of a word, the remainder of which is carried to the next line; or between the parts of many a compound word; as in fine-leaved, clear-headed. It is also sometimes used to separate the syllables of words.
To connect with, or separate by, a hyphen, as two words or the parts of a word.
A punctuation mark (-) used between parts of a compound word or between the syllables of a word when the word is divided at the end of a line of text
Divide or connect with a hyphen;
Hyphenate these words and names
Hyphens are used in spelled-out numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine.
She is thirty-five years old.
Hyphen usage aids in correctly pronouncing and interpreting words.
Co-op has a different meaning and pronunciation than coop.
Hyphen Sentences
When writing an email, she always remembers to use a hyphen in well-known.
The use of a hyphen in long-term project shows that the project is not just long, but long-term.
A hyphen is used in writing to avoid ambiguity in compound terms.
Adding a hyphen between words can turn them into a compound adjective.
He learned that a hyphen connects the numbers in a written date range.
The teacher explained that a hyphen is necessary in the term mother-in-law.
The manual's section on hyphens helped her understand their importance in clear communication.
By using a hyphen, you can make the distinction between a high school student and a high-school student.
In some cases, a hyphen is used to avoid awkward letter combinations in newly coined terms.
A hyphen in re-enter shows that the action of entering is happening again.
Without a hyphen, the phrase little used car suggests the car is rarely used, not small.
Without a hyphen, some compound words might be misunderstood, so she pays close attention to their use.
She prefers using a hyphen in co-operate to make the pronunciation clearer.
The use of a hyphen in mid-1990s helps specify the exact part of the decade being discussed.
Adding a hyphen to a word can change its meaning entirely, as in recover (to get better) and re-cover (to cover again).
The writer uses a hyphen in twenty-three to clearly indicate the number.
Understanding when to use a hyphen in compound nouns takes practice and attention to detail.
The hyphen in father-in-law helps clarify the familial relationship.
A hyphen makes the difference in expressions like blue-green algae, where it indicates a specific type of algae.
The distinction between an electronic mail system and an electronic-mail system lies in the use of a hyphen.
A hyphen is often used to create compound adjectives before nouns, like in a well-deserved honor.
The recipe called for a well-chilled bowl, and the hyphen made clear that the bowl needed to be very cold.
The style guide she followed was very specific about the use of hyphens in compound adjectives.
When unsure, she checks the dictionary to see if a compound word requires a hyphen.
The editor noted that a hyphen in state-of-the-art technology emphasizes that the technology is cutting edge.
FAQs
Why is it called Hyphen?
Derived from Latin "hyphēn", from Ancient Greek "ὑφέν" (huphén), meaning "together".
Which vowel is used before Hyphen?
"A" is used, as in "a hyphen".
Which preposition is used with Hyphen?
"With" as in "with a hyphen".
What is the root word of Hyphen?
The root word is Ancient Greek "ὑφέν" (huphén) meaning "under one".
What is the pronunciation of Hyphen?
It's pronounced as /ˈhaɪ.fən/.
Is Hyphen an adverb?
No, hyphen is not an adverb.
Which conjunction is used with Hyphen?
Any conjunction can be used depending on the context.
Which article is used with Hyphen?
"A" or "the", as in "a hyphen" or "the hyphen".
What is the verb form of Hyphen?
"Hyphenate".
Is Hyphen a negative or positive word?
Neutral.
Is Hyphen a vowel or consonant?
"Hyphen" is a word, not a single letter, and contains both vowels and consonants.
Is the Hyphen term a metaphor?
Not in itself, but can be used metaphorically.
What is the singular form of Hyphen?
"Hyphen".
What is the plural form of Hyphen?
"Hyphens".
Is Hyphen an abstract noun?
No, it's a concrete noun.
Is Hyphen a countable noun?
Yes, you can have one hyphen, two hyphens, etc.
What is a stressed syllable in Hyphen?
The first syllable "Hy".
What is the opposite of Hyphen?
There isn't a direct opposite. In some contexts, "non-hyphenated" could serve as an antonym.
Which determiner is used with Hyphen?
Common determiners include "this", "that", "my", "the", and "a".
Is Hyphen a collective noun?
No, it isn't.
What part of speech is Hyphen?
Noun, but can also function as an adjective in contexts like "hyphenated word".
What is another term for Hyphen?
Dash, though technically dashes and hyphens serve different purposes.
What is the third form of Hyphen?
As for "hyphenate": hyphenated.
What is the first form of Hyphen?
The word "hyphen" does not have verb forms like regular verbs.
How is Hyphen used in a sentence?
"To avoid confusion, use a hyphen in the term 'sister-in-law'."
Is Hyphen a noun or adjective?
"Hyphen" is primarily a noun, but can be an adjective as in "hyphenated words".
How do we divide Hyphen into syllables?
Hy-phen.
What is the second form of Hyphen?
The verb form "hyphenate" would follow regular verb conventions: hyphenated.
Is the word Hyphen imperative?
No, it's not imperative.
How many syllables are in Hyphen?
There are two syllables.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
