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Quizzes > Literature & Language > English & Grammar

Think You Can Ace Hyphen Usage? Take the Quiz!

Ready for Real Hyphen Practice? Spot Correct Hyphenated Phrases Now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art collage of letters hyphens and quiz banner on teal background promoting free hyphen practice and skill

This hyphen practice quiz helps you spot correct hyphen use in real sentences and catch the errors you miss. Answer quick, bite-size items, see which choice works, and build confidence for your daily writing or editing. If you want a refresher first, see our quick hyphen guide.

Which of the following correctly hyphenates the compound modifier before a noun?
state-of-the-art design
state-of-art design
state-of-the art design
state of the art design
When a compound adjective precedes a noun, all elements are typically hyphenated to avoid ambiguity. In this case, "state-of-the-art" modifies "design" as a single idea. No hyphens would make the phrase unclear, and omitting one of the hyphens breaks the compound.
Which sentence correctly uses a hyphen?
She is a well-knowing author.
She is a well known author.
She is a well-known author.
She is a wellknownauthor.
When a compound adjective like "well-known" comes before a noun, it requires a hyphen to indicate that the two words function together. Without the hyphen, readers might misinterpret the relationship between the words.
Which of these phrases should NOT have a hyphen?
smart-ly-dressed man
smartly-dressed man
smart-ly dressed man
smartly dressed man
Adverbs ending in -ly do not take a hyphen when they modify an adjective or participle. "Smartly" is an -ly adverb modifying "dressed," so no hyphen is needed. Inserting a hyphen here is considered incorrect.
Which option shows the correct hyphenation when indicating age before a noun?
21-year-old patient
21 years old patient
21-year old patient
21 year old patient
When an age functions as a compound adjective before a noun, all parts are hyphenated: "21-year-old patient." Without hyphens, the phrase can be misread. After the noun, hyphens are typically dropped (e.g., "The patient is 21 years old").
Which of the following correctly identifies the in-law relationship?
mother in law
mother-of-law
mother-in-law
mother-inlaw
Compound nouns like "mother-in-law" are always hyphenated to show the relationship clearly. Writing it without hyphens or with other connectors is considered incorrect.
Which phrase correctly hyphenates a compound noun describing small enterprises?
small business-owners
small-business owners
small business owners
smallbusiness owners
When two or more words form a noun together ("small-business owners"), use a hyphen to make them a single concept. Without the hyphen, readers may not link "small" and "business" properly.
Which option correctly hyphenates the former status of a public official?
ex- president
expresident
ex president
ex-president
Prefixes such as "ex-" meaning former typically take a hyphen before the base word. Without the hyphen, the relationship between prefix and base can be unclear.
Which of the following compounds is correctly closed (no hyphen)?
co author
co@uthor
coauthor
co-author
Some compounds are closed up over time; "coauthor" is the standard spelling in most dictionaries. The hyphenated form is considered outdated.
Choose the correct way to write both long-term and short-term using suspended hyphenation.
long and short-term plans
long-and short-term plans
long- and short-term plans
long and short term plans
Suspended hyphenation lets you avoid repeating a root word by placing the hyphen after the first modifier only: "long- and short-term plans." This construction is clear and concise.
Which of the following correctly spells the compound noun for your sibling's spouse?
sister in law
sisteroflaw
sister-inlaw
sister-in-law
Family relationship compounds like "sister-in-law" are always hyphenated. This distinguishes the term from other multiword phrases.
When expressing a fraction as an adjective before a noun, which is correct?
one/third majority
one-third-majority
one-third majority
one third majority
Fractions used adjectivally before nouns are hyphenated: "one-third majority." When used as a noun phrase, hyphens may be dropped ("The majority was one third").
Which sentence correctly avoids hyphens when the compound follows the noun?
Her work is state-of-art.
Her work is state-of-the-art.
Her work is state of-the art.
Her work is state of the art.
When a compound adjective comes after the noun it modifies, hyphens are usually dropped: "state of the art." Hyphens are reinstated if the same phrase precedes the noun.
Which usage correctly distinguishes "re-cover" (cover again) from "recover" (get better)?
recover the chair with new fabric
re cover the chair with new fabric
re-cover the chair with new fabric
recover from the chair with new fabric
The hyphen in "re-cover" signals a distinct meaning: to cover again. Without the hyphen, "recover" means to return to health or retrieve. This use prevents confusion.
Which of the following correctly hyphenates the historical term?
pre Columbian era
pre-Columbian era
pre-Columbian-era
precolumbian era
Prefixes before proper nouns retain the hyphen: "pre-Columbian." This distinguishes the prefix from the name and follows standard style guides.
When breaking the word "hyphenation" at the end of a line, which is the correct break?
hyph- enation
hyp-henation
hyphena-tion
hyphen-ation
Line breaks should occur at syllable boundaries. "Hy-phen-ation" shows the primary break at "hyphen-ation," preserving syllable structure. Other breaks split syllables awkwardly.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Hyphenation Fundamentals -

    Learn core hyphenation rules for compound numbers and adjective phrases to ensure clear punctuation. This foundation empowers you to tackle more complex hyphen challenges with confidence.

  2. Identify Correct Hyphen Usage -

    Spot which sentences contain phrases that are hyphenated correctly using our hyphen usage quiz. Instant feedback will highlight your strengths and pinpoint common mistakes for better accuracy.

  3. Apply Hyphens in Compound Adjectives -

    Master joining adjectives with hyphens before nouns to create precise and readable descriptions. You'll know when hyphens are necessary and when they can be omitted.

  4. Analyze Hyphenation Errors -

    Examine sample sentences to detect misplaced or missing hyphens and understand why they're incorrect. This analytical practice sharpens your eye for flawless punctuation.

  5. Practice Hyphen Usage in Real Time -

    Engage with interactive questions designed for effective hyphen practice and immediate correction. This hands-on experience reinforces proper hyphen usage in diverse contexts.

  6. Evaluate Your Hyphenation Skills -

    Track your progress and identify areas for further review to ensure consistent improvement. You'll finish the quiz with clear next steps for ongoing hyphen mastery.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Compound Number Hyphens -

    In hyphen practice, always hyphenate compound numbers from twenty-one through ninety-nine, such as "67-year-old scientist." According to the Chicago Manual of Style, this ensures consistent correct hyphen usage in technical writing. Remember the slogan "two numbers, one dash" to solidify the rule.

  2. Compound Adjectives Before Nouns -

    When you spot phrases like "well-known author" on a hyphen usage quiz, hyphenate them before the noun but drop the dash after (e.g., "the author is well known"). Merriam-Webster's guidelines show which sentences contain phrases that are hyphenated correctly and which need revision. A handy tip: if the adjective phrase precedes the noun, give it a dash.

  3. Prefixes That Always Hyphenate -

    Common prefixes such as self - , ex - , and all - require hyphens under most hyphenation rules (e.g., "self-esteem," "ex-president," "all-inclusive"). The Chicago Manual and Oxford Dictionaries list these as non-negotiable hyphens for correct hyphen usage. Think "S-E-L-F and E-X always dash off on their own."

  4. No Hyphens with -ly Adverbs -

    Adverbs ending in - ly never pair with a hyphen (e.g., "highly regarded research" not "highly-regarded research"), a rule emphasized in APA style guides. This trick often pops up in a hyphen usage quiz to test clear understanding. Use the reminder "-ly sets you free" to avoid extra dashes.

  5. Hyphens for Clarity and Ambiguity -

    Use hyphens to resolve ambiguity - "small-business owner" differs from "small business owner," clarifying that the owner runs a small business. Garner's Modern English Usage highlights such examples in hyphen practice exercises. Keep in mind that a well-placed dash can save a world of confusion.

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