Which punctuation mark is used to form compound words or connect prefixes to words?

Which punctuation mark is used to form compound words or connect prefixes to words?

• A. Dash
• B. Hyphen
• C. Comma
• D. Apostrophe

Answer: (B)

Hyphen usage links words and parts of words to make meaning clear. The hyphen is the punctuation mark used to form compound words, such as well-being or sister-in-law, where two words join to function as a single idea. It also attaches prefixes directly to a base word when sticking the prefix to the word would otherwise be hard to read or could cause ambiguity, as in pre-existing or re-enter. This helps readers see that the bits belong together and prevents misreading that might occur if the words were spaced apart or written as separate words. In contrast, other marks serve different purposes: a dash is for a break or interruption in thought, a comma separates items or clauses, and an apostrophe marks possession or a contraction.

Hyphen usage links words and parts of words to make meaning clear. The hyphen is the punctuation mark used to form compound words, such as well-being or sister-in-law, where two words join to function as a single idea. It also attaches prefixes directly to a base word when sticking the prefix to the word would otherwise be hard to read or could cause ambiguity, as in pre-existing or re-enter. This helps readers see that the bits belong together and prevents misreading that might occur if the words were spaced apart or written as separate words.

In contrast, other marks serve different purposes: a dash is for a break or interruption in thought, a comma separates items or clauses, and an apostrophe marks possession or a contraction.