Can You Use A Hyphen/Dash Correctly?

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  • 1/10 Questions

    Which of the following sentences uses a hyphen correctly?

    • The discussion was one sided and lacked diverse perspectives.
    • The discussion was one-sided and lacked diverse perspectives.
    • The discussion was one sided-and lacked diverse perspectives.
    • The discussion was one-sided-and lacked-diverse perspectives.
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About This Quiz

How well do you know your Hyphens and Dashes? The best way to find out is to try the "Hyphens and Dashes Quiz". Take this quiz to find out if you're a punctuation pro or could use a dash of improvement.

In just 10 questions, you can master your art of hyphenation and dashing punctuation. From compound adjectives to indicating emphasis, this quiz covers it all. Challenge yourself to distinguish between hyphens and dashes in everyday sentences.
Whether you're a grammar guru or just dipping your toes into correct punctuation usage, this quiz is a fun way to enhance your skills. Take the "Hyphens and Dashes Quiz" now to strengthen your grammar!

Can You Use A Hyphen/Dash Correctly? - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Choose the sentence with correct hyphenation:

    • Her mother-in-law visited for the weekend.

    • Her mother in-law visited for the weekend.

    • Her mother-inlaw visited for the weekend.

    • Her mother-in-law visited for-the weekend.

    Correct Answer
    A. Her mother-in-law visited for the weekend.
    Explanation
    In this sentence, the hyphens in "mother-in-law" serve to connect the separate words into a single, cohesive unit functioning as a compound modifier. The compound modifier provides additional information about the noun "visited," specifying that it is the mother-in-law who visited. The hyphenation clarifies the relationship between the words and ensures that the reader understands "mother-in-law" as a distinct concept modifying the noun.

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  • 3. 

    Which of the following correctly uses the hyphen?

    • I am forty_five years old.

    • I am forty - five years old.

    • I am forty-five years old.

    • I am forty-five years-old.

    Correct Answer
    A. I am forty-five years old.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "I am forty-five years old." This is the correct usage of a hyphen to join the words "forty" and "five" together as a compound adjective modifying the noun "years." The other options either incorrectly use a hyphen to separate the words or do not use a hyphen at all.

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  • 4. 

    Identify the sentence with accurate hyphen usage:

    • The merry-go-round at the park was colorful.

    • The merry go-round at the park was colorful.

    • The merry-go-round-at the park was colorful.

    • The merry-go-round at-the park was colorful.

    Correct Answer
    A. The merry-go-round at the park was colorful.
    Explanation
    In this sentence, "merry go-round" functions as a compound noun describing an amusement ride. The absence of hyphens is appropriate here because "merry go-round" is considered a single, unified concept. The words work together to create a clear and specific image of the amusement ride at the park without the need for hyphenation.

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  • 5. 

    Choose the sentence with accurate hyphenation:

    • The editor-in-chief oversees the magazine.

    • The editor in-chief oversees the magazine.

    • The editor-inchief oversees the magazine.

    • The editor-in-chief oversees-the magazine.

    Correct Answer
    A. The editor-in-chief oversees the magazine.
    Explanation
    In this sentence, the hyphens in "editor-in-chief" form a compound modifier that specifies the role of the person overseeing the magazine. The hyphenation ensures that "editor-in-chief" is perceived as a single, distinct concept modifying the noun "oversees." It conveys a clear and specific meaning about the person in charge of the magazine.

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  • 6. 

    Identify the sentence with correct hyphenation:

    • He returned empty handed from the quest.

    • He returned empty-handed-from the quest.

    • He returned empty-handed from the quest.

    • He returned with empty-hands from the quest.

    Correct Answer
    A. He returned empty-handed from the quest.
    Explanation
    The hyphens in "empty-handed" create a compound modifier indicating that the person returned without anything in their hands. The hyphenation ensures that "empty-handed" is understood as a single concept modifying the verb "returned." It conveys a specific and vivid image of the person coming back from the quest without any tangible items in their possession.

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  • 7. 

    Select the sentence with proper hyphenation:  

    • The three year-old child was very curious.

    • The three-year old child was very curious.

    • The three-year-old child was very curious.

    • The three-year-old child was very-curious.

    Correct Answer
    A. The three-year-old child was very curious.
    Explanation
    "The three-year-old child was very curious." It follows proper hyphenation rules for compound adjectives, connecting "three" and "year" with hyphens. This ensures clarity and accuracy in expressing the child's age.

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  • 8. 

    Select the sentence with correct hyphen placement:  

    • She has high self esteem.

    • She has high self-esteem.

    • She has high-self-esteem.

    • She has high-self esteem.

    Correct Answer
    A. She has high self-esteem.
    Explanation
    The hyphen in "self-esteem" connects the two words to create a compound noun representing a person's emotional and psychological well-being. The use of the hyphen clarifies that "self-esteem" is a cohesive concept, emphasizing the connection between one's self and their sense of worth.

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  • 9. 

    Which sentence demonstrates correct hyphen usage?

    • The state-of-the art facility is now open to the public.

    • The state-of-the-art facility is now open to the public.

    • The state of-the-art facility is now open to the public.

    • The state-of the-art facility is now open to the public.

    Correct Answer
    A. The state-of-the-art facility is now open to the public.
    Explanation
    "The state-of-the-art facility is now open to the public," demonstrates correct hyphen usage. The hyphens are appropriately placed to connect the compound adjective "state-of-the-art," which describes the facility. This ensures clarity and accuracy in conveying the modern and advanced nature of the facility.

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  • 10. 

    Which sentence demonstrates proper hyphenation:

    • The man-eating tiger roamed freely in the forest.

    • The man eating tiger roamed freely in the forest.

    • The man-eating-tiger roamed freely in the forest.

    • The man-eating tiger roamed-freely in the forest.

    Correct Answer
    A. The man-eating tiger roamed freely in the forest.
    Explanation
    In this sentence, the hyphens in "man-eating" form a compound modifier that describes the type of tiger – one that eats humans. The hyphenation ensures that "man-eating" is understood as a single concept modifying the noun "tiger." It clarifies the tiger's behavior and distinguishes it from other types of tigers that do not eat humans.

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  • Current Version
  • Jan 22, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Mar 08, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    JonathonSimpson
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