Hyphens with Common Prefixes
Should we use a hyphen with a common prefix such as non or un? For example, is it non-alcoholic beverages or nonalcoholic beverages?
Generally, with common prefixes, you do not need to use a hyphen. Therefore, the correct answer is nonalcoholic beverages.
| Examples: | uninviting uninterested noncompetitive preexisting pretest posttest |
| Exception: When adding the common prefix will create a double i or double a, use a hyphen. | |
| Examples: | ultra-ambitious semi-invalid |
| Exception: When common prefixes are attached to hyphenated compounds, they take hyphens too. | |
| Examples: | non-iron-bearing sulphides non-English-speaking countries |
| Note: The prefix non has a hyphen following because it is attached to a proper noun. | |
Posted on Tuesday, March 16th, 2010, at 9:09 am
4 Responses to “Hyphens with Common Prefixes”
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Mostly, people face problems in using correct grammar with punctuations and i am also one of them. Your blog content always helps me in clearing my doubts. Like the use of correct preposition is really helpful for me. Thanks for this great information.
You’re welcome. Thank you for taking the time to write.
Does the prefix sub have a hyphen (e.g.subcontractor or sub-contractor)?
Thank you so much in advance.
No, there should not be a hyphen.