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Anonymous Posted 20 years ago
Grammar
Hyphenating with often or seldom
When using phrases such as "often heated debated" or "seldom remembered birthday," should I be using a hyphen?
Thanks,
Jackie
Thanks,
Jackie
Top answer
Hello Jackie 1. They engaged in an often heated debate. – here, the adverb "often" qualifies the adjective.
- Hello Jackie 1.
- They engaged in an often heated debate.
- – here, the adverb "often" qualifies the adjective.
- g.
- 2.
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3 Answers
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Hello Jackie
1. They engaged in an often heated debate.
– here, the adverb "often" qualifies the adjective. In other words, you can omit it, and the sentence still makes sense, e.g.
2. They engaged in a heated debate.
So there's no need to hyphenate.
But if the adverb + adjective together create a new meaning, you can hyphenate them:
3. Parthen
1. They engaged in an often heated debate.
– here, the adverb "often" qualifies the adjective. In other words, you can omit it, and the sentence still makes sense, e.g.
2. They engaged in a heated debate.
So there's no need to hyphenate.
But if the adverb + adjective together create a new meaning, you can hyphenate them:
3. Parthen
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