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Grammarholic Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

A first come, first served basis

Are these clear without the hyphens in the compound modifiers?

an on again, off again relationship

a first come, first served basis
  

Top answer

Anybody, please.

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6 Answers
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GrammarholicAre these clear without the hyphens in the compound modifiers?
I think they would be clear for most readers.

Have a look here:

http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/first-come-first-served
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Yes, then 'on again, off again romance' should follow suit (ie no hyphens).
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I don't know what you mean by "should", but as I've already indicated, I think your text would be understood.
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No hyphens in this one? I think the comma should stay.
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I prefer the hyphenated versions, especially first-come-first-served basis.
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