0
Anonymous Posted 9 years ago
Grammar
Struggle with compound adjectives
Hi, I'm having a hard time with using hyphens/spaces in compound adjectives. Which one is correct to express different cost structures that are related to pumping (mechanical pumps):
> pumping-cost structures
> pumping cost structures
> pumping cost-structures
Thanks!
> pumping-cost structures
> pumping cost structures
> pumping cost-structures
Thanks!
Top answer
Given that you didn't use the hyphen in your own words for 'cost structures' then you shouldn't want to put one in for the longer phrase! Personally, I'd not put one in at all. Is there a fool-proof rule?
- Given that you didn't use the hyphen in your own words for 'cost structures' then you shouldn't want to put one in for the longer phrase!
- Personally, I'd not put one in at all.
- Is there a fool-proof rule?
- Not really; the general rule is to use a hyphen between two adjectives before a noun if the two are inextricably linked and convey a single idea.
- In this case the structures are not 'pumping-cost' in the way that a relative can be 'long-lost'.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
2 Answers
0
Given that you didn't use the hyphen in your own words for 'cost structures' then you shouldn't want to put one in for the longer phrase!
Personally, I'd not put one in at all. Is there a fool-proof rule? Not really; the general rule is to use a hyphen between two adjectives before a noun if the two are inextricably linked and convey a single idea. In this case the structures are not
Personally, I'd not put one in at all. Is there a fool-proof rule? Not really; the general rule is to use a hyphen between two adjectives before a noun if the two are inextricably linked and convey a single idea. In this case the structures are not
00
Related Questions