Breaking Words After Special Characters: Hyphens (-)
Hyphens (-) are an important punctuation mark in the English language. They are used to connect words, to indicate a range of numbers, and to break words at the end of a line. However, one of the most common mistakes made with hyphens is breaking words after special characters, such as dashes or brackets. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of the intended meaning. In this article, we will explore the proper usage of hyphens when breaking words after special characters.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the difference between hyphens and dashes. Hyphens are shorter and are used to connect words, while dashes are longer and are used to set off information within a sentence. It is crucial to use the correct punctuation mark to avoid any confusion. When dealing with breaking words after special characters, we are specifically referring to hyphens.
One common mistake is breaking a word after a hyphen that is part of a compound word. For example, the word "self-esteem" should not be broken after the hyphen. It should always remain as one word. The same goes for words like "mother-in-law" or "well-known." Breaking these words after the hyphen makes them appear as two separate words, thus changing the intended meaning.
Another mistake is breaking a word after a hyphen that is used to connect prefixes or suffixes. For instance, the word "anti-inflammatory" should not be broken after the hyphen. The hyphen is used to connect the prefix "anti" with the root word "inflammatory." Breaking the word after the hyphen makes it seem like "anti" is a standalone word, which is not the case.
It is also important to note that hyphens are used to break words at the end of a line in order to improve readability. However, this should be done at a logical point, such as between syllables or after a prefix. Breaking a word after a special character, like a dash or a bracket, can disrupt the flow of the sentence and make it difficult to understand.
In some cases, breaking a word after a hyphen might be necessary for clarity. For instance, when a hyphen is used to indicate a range of numbers, breaking the word after the hyphen is acceptable. For example, "pages 25-30" can be broken after the hyphen without changing the meaning of the sentence.
In conclusion, proper usage of hyphens when breaking words after special characters is crucial for clarity and understanding. Hyphens should not be used to break compound words, prefixes or suffixes, or at random points in a sentence. Breaking words after special characters should only be done when necessary for clarity or when indicating a range of numbers. By following these rules, you can avoid any confusion and ensure that your writing is clear and effective.
