General Principles:
* Syllabification: The most important principle is to split words between syllables. You should consult a dictionary or online resources for accurate syllable division.
* Preserve Pronunciation: The split should not create a new syllable or change the pronunciation of the word.
* Avoid Awkward Splits: Try to avoid splitting words in a way that looks visually awkward or makes the reading difficult.
Specific Rules and Considerations:
* Single-Syllable Words: Don't split words with only one syllable.
* Prefixes and Suffixes: Usually, split between prefixes and suffixes (e.g., "un-happy", "pre-sent").
* Double Consonants: If two consonants come together, split the word between them (e.g., "let-ter", "hap-pen").
* Compound Words: Split compound words at the natural break (e.g., "some-body", "rain-bow").
* Proper Nouns: Avoid splitting proper nouns unless absolutely necessary.
* Hyphenated Words: Split hyphenated words only at the hyphen (e.g., "self-conscious", "well-being").
* Avoid One-Letter Splits: Don't leave a single letter at the end of a line (e.g., "a-bout" is incorrect, "about" is preferred).
Example:
Let's look at the word "dictionary":
* Syllabification: It's divided into "dic-tion-ary".
* Possible Splits: "dic-tion-ary", "diction-ary".
* Preferred Split: "dic-tionary" (maintains pronunciation and avoids an awkward split).
Important Notes:
* Context Matters: The best way to split a word depends on the specific context and the overall flow of the text.
* Consistency: Strive for consistent hyphenation throughout your writing.
* Word Processing Software: Most word processors have built-in hyphenation features that can help with line breaks.
Remember, these are guidelines, not absolute rules. Sometimes, you may need to use your judgment and consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate way to split a word.