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What are hyphenated nouns?

Hyphenated nouns are nouns that are formed by combining two or more words using a hyphen (-). They often represent a single concept or entity, and the hyphen helps to clarify the relationship between the words.

Here are some examples of hyphenated nouns:

* Compound adjectives: These are often used to describe something, such as "a well-known author" or "a state-of-the-art facility."

* Fractions: Hyphens are used to indicate fractions, such as "one-third" or "two-fifths."

* Numbers: When writing numbers, hyphenate them between twenty-one and ninety-nine, such as "forty-two" or "seventy-five."

* Combinations of words: Some nouns are formed by combining two words, such as "mother-in-law" or "brother-in-law."

* Directional terms: These are often used to describe location, such as "south-west" or "north-east."

The use of hyphens in compound nouns can vary depending on the specific words being combined, and there are some general rules to follow:

* Use a hyphen when the words together create a new concept. For example, "a high-speed train" is a different kind of train than a "high speed" train.

* Use a hyphen when the words are modifying a noun together. For example, "a well-known author" is a different kind of author than "a well known author."

* Use a hyphen when the words are likely to be misunderstood without it. For example, "a three-year-old child" is different from "a three year old child."

It's important to note that hyphenation rules can be complex, and there are often exceptions. Consulting a style guide or dictionary can be helpful for resolving any uncertainties.

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