Using Hyphens - Part 3

Using hyphens as prefixes.

Hyphens can be used in prefixes. A prefix is a short half-word placed before another word to alter its meaning. For example:

• re-enact

• cooperate and co-operate

• antifascist and anti-fascist

The big question with a prefix is whether to use a hyphen with it or not. The guidelines on when to use a hyphen with a prefix are here. Unfortunately, the guidelines are not simple, but, often, the hyphenated and unhyphenated versions are both acceptable. As a general rule of thumb, try to avoid using a hyphen. However, if the unhyphenated version looks too unwieldy for your taste (antiaircraft might be an example), is highlighted as spelling mistake by your spellchecker (e.g., reestablish), or is ambiguous (e.g., recover), then go for the hyphenated version. The prefixes ex- and self-, and prefixes with proper nouns (and words derived from proper nouns), are always hyphenated. For example:

• ex-wife

• un-American

• self-made man

• (American is derived from the proper noun America.)