Hyphens — Again

Margie Wakeman WellsThe Hyphen 2 Comments

When a combination is recognized as a unit already — that is, it is a compound noun that is separate words — there is no need for a hyphen when it is used as an adjective. …substance abuse… …substance abuse counseling… …mental health… …mental health evaluation… …domestic violence… …domestic violence situation… The difficult thing, perhaps, is to decide whether something …

Just Musing…

Margie Wakeman WellsThe Hyphen Leave a Comment

As I was listening to the news a couple of days ago, the newscaster said, “The several million dollar homes in that area are….” It is clear that it has to be “…the several-million-dollar homes…” because of the word “the.” Without the word “the,” it could go either way, I think. …several million-dollar homes… …several-million-dollar homes… Happy punctuating! Margie

Grammar Course This Weekend

Margie Wakeman WellsGeneral Leave a Comment

The grammar course begins this weekend. I hope you will be joining me. This is a great time to brush up — or maybe learn some things that are brand new to you — on the basics of English grammar. Register here. http://ccr.edu/index.php/margie-holds-court-webinar-series-short-grammar-course Happy punctuating! Margie