Which punctuation mark is used to join prefixes to words and form compound words?

Which punctuation mark is used to join prefixes to words and form compound words?

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

Answer: (C)

Hyphen use connects a prefix to a base word to form a single, clear term. It shows that the prefix and the base word belong together and helps with pronunciation and meaning. For prefixes like pre-, anti-, co-, or semi-, a hyphen is often used to avoid ambiguity and to signal that you’re creating one combined word. Examples such as re-enter (go in again), co-worker (a colleague), and anti-inflammatory (reducing inflammation) illustrate how the hyphen links the parts to form a new concept. Other marks serve different functions: a dash indicates a break or range, a comma separates items or clauses, and an apostrophe marks possession or omitted letters.

Hyphen use connects a prefix to a base word to form a single, clear term. It shows that the prefix and the base word belong together and helps with pronunciation and meaning. For prefixes like pre-, anti-, co-, or semi-, a hyphen is often used to avoid ambiguity and to signal that you’re creating one combined word. Examples such as re-enter (go in again), co-worker (a colleague), and anti-inflammatory (reducing inflammation) illustrate how the hyphen links the parts to form a new concept. Other marks serve different functions: a dash indicates a break or range, a comma separates items or clauses, and an apostrophe marks possession or omitted letters.