The document discusses the proper uses of hyphens and dashes in writing. It provides guidelines on when to use hyphens with compound words, prefixes, numbers, and modifiers preceding nouns. Hyphens should not be used with adverbs or comparative/superlative forms. Dashes are used to set off phrases for emphasis, explanation, or interruption and should enclose phrases, not clauses. Commas can be used for appositives but dashes are preferred if the appositive already contains commas.

2.  Use hyphen to divide a word or to form a
compound.
Raimes, A., & Miller-Cochran, S. K. (2014). Keys for writers. Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co.

3.  Many word with prefixes are spelled
without hyphens: cooperate, nonrestrictive,
unnatural.
 Others are hyphenated: all-inclusive, anti-
intellectual, self-effecting.
 Always, use a hyphen when the main word
is a number or a proper noun: all-
American, post-2010.
 If you are unsure about whether to insert
hyphen after a prefix, check a big
dictionary to see if it lists the word as
hyphenated.
Raimes, A., & Miller-Cochran, S. K. (2014). Keys for writers. Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co.

4.  Some compound nouns are written as
one word (toothbrush),
 others as two words (coffee shop),
 and still others with one or more
hyphen(role-playing, father-in-law).
 Always check an up-to-data dictionary.
Similarly, check a dictionary for
compound verbs(Cross-examine,
overemphasize).
Raimes, A., & Miller-Cochran, S. K. (2014). Keys for writers. Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co.

5.  Preceding a noun: a well-organized
party, a law-abiding citizen, a ten-page
essay.
 When the modifier follows the noun, no
hyphen is necessary:
 The party was well organized.
 Most citizens try to be law abiding.
 The essay was ten pages long.
Raimes, A., & Miller-Cochran, S. K. (2014). Keys for writers. Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co.

6.  Do not insert a hyphen between an- ly
adverb and the word it modifies or often
an adjectives in its comparative(-er) or
superlative (-est) form:
 a tightly fitting suit, an expertly written
essay, a sweeter sounding melody.
 Treat a series of hyphenated prefixes
like this:
 A verdict of either first- or second-
degree murder was expected.
Raimes, A., & Miller-Cochran, S. K. (2014). Keys for writers. Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co.

7.  Use hyphens when spelling out two-
word numbers from twenty-one to ninty-
nine.
 Twenty-two applicanta arrived early
in the morning.
 Also use a hyphen in spelled-out
fractions: two-thirds of a cup.
Raimes, A., & Miller-Cochran, S. K. (2014). Keys for writers. Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co.

8.  Most words processor either
automatically hyphenate words
automatically wrap words around to the
next line.
 Choose the later option to avoid the
strange and unacceptable word division
that something appears with automatic
hyphenation.
 Do not insert a hyphen into a URL to
spilt it across lines.
Raimes, A., & Miller-Cochran, S. K. (2014). Keys for writers. Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co.

9.  A Dash (-) alerts readers to an
explanation, to something unexpected,
or to an interruption. Form a dash by
typing two hyphens with no extra space
before, between, or after them. Some
word processing software will transform
the two hyphens in to one continuous
dash.
Raimes, A., & Miller-Cochran, S. K. (2014). Keys for writers. Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co.

10.  Dashes should enclose a phrase, not a
clause.
 She bragged that her dog—a
Pomeranian –had a complete wardrobe
of sweaters.
 The accused gasped, “But I never–” and
fainted.
 In America there are two classes of
travel—first class and with children.
Raimes, A., & Miller-Cochran, S. K. (2014). Keys for writers. Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co.

11.  Commas can be used to set of an
appositive phrase, but a pair of dashes
is preferable when appositive phrase
form a list already containing commas.
 The content of his closet—torn jeans,
frayed jackets, and suits shiny on the
seat and elbows—made him reassess
his priorities.
 Overusing the dash may produce a
staccato effect. Use it sparingly.
Raimes, A., & Miller-Cochran, S. K. (2014). Keys for writers. Boston: Wadsworth Pub Co.