Hyphens with Prefixes

Jul 18, 2016

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Rule 1
The current trend is to do away with unnecessary hyphens. Therefore, attach most prefixes and suffixes onto root words without a hyphen.
- Examples:
  noncompliance copayment semiconscious fortyish
Rule 2
Hyphenate prefixes when they come before proper nouns.
- Example:
  un-American
Rule 3
Hyphenate prefixes ending in an a or i only when the root word begins with the same letter.
- Examples:
  ultra-ambitious
  semi-invalid
Rule 4
When a prefix ends in one vowel and a root word begins with a different vowel, generally attach them without a hyphen.
- Examples:
  antiaircraft
  proactive
Rule 5
Prefixes and root words that result in double e’s and double o’s are usually combined to form one word.
- Examples:
  preemployment
  coordinate
  Exceptions: de-emphasize
  co-owner
Rule 6
Hyphenate all words beginning with self except for selfish and selfless.
- Examples:
  self-assured
  self-respect
  self-addressed
Rule 7
Use a hyphen with the prefix ex.
- Example:
  His ex-wife sued for nonsupport.
Rule 8
Use the hyphen with the prefix re only when: