How do you handle hyphenation of prefixes and suffixes across line breaks?

1 Rule 1: Follow the dictionary

The first and most important rule for hyphenating prefixes and suffixes is to follow the dictionary. Different dictionaries may have different preferences and conventions for hyphenation, so you should always check the one that you or your client are using. For example, some dictionaries may hyphenate pre-existing, while others may write it as preexisting. Similarly, some dictionaries may hyphenate self-esteem, while others may write it as self esteem. Make sure you are consistent with the dictionary you choose.

2 Rule 2: Avoid confusion and ambiguity

The second rule for hyphenating prefixes and suffixes is to avoid confusion and ambiguity. Sometimes, hyphenating or not hyphenating a word can change its meaning or make it unclear. For example, re-creation means creating something again, while recreation means leisure activity. Likewise, un-ionized means not ionized, while union-ized means belonging to a union. In these cases, you should use a hyphen to clarify the meaning of the word and prevent misunderstanding.

3 Rule 3: Use a hyphen with certain prefixes and suffixes

When hyphenating prefixes and suffixes, there are certain cases where a hyphen should be used. These include when the prefix ends with the same letter as the word it is attached to, such as anti-inflammatory or co-occur; when the prefix is attached to a proper noun or abbreviation, like un-American or pro-EU; when the prefix creates a word that is hard to pronounce or read, like de-ice or re-enter; and when the suffix is attached to numbers or letters, like 20-odd or A-list.

4 Rule 4: Do not use a hyphen with certain prefixes and suffixes

When it comes to hyphenating prefixes and suffixes, there are certain ones that should not be hyphenated. These include prefixes that are common and widely used, such as biweekly or nonstop, as well as those attached to words beginning with a consonant, like misplace or prepay. The same goes for suffixes, like careful or hopeful, and those attached to words ending with a consonant, like childish or foolish.

5 Rule 5: Use a discretionary hyphen across line breaks

The fifth rule for hyphenating prefixes and suffixes is to use a discretionary hyphen across line breaks. This special character only appears when a word is split at the end of a line, indicating to the reader that the word continues on the next line and prevents awkward or confusing breaks. You can insert a discretionary hyphen in most word processors, such as Microsoft Word, by using a shortcut or a menu option - Ctrl + -. It should be used when the word is too long to fit on one line and needs to be split, when it has a prefix or suffix that can be separated without changing its meaning or pronunciation, or if it has a natural or logical place to break, such as between syllables or between compound words.

6 Rule 6: Avoid common errors and inconsistencies

When it comes to hyphenating prefixes and suffixes, it is important to be aware of common errors and inconsistencies. Proofreaders often encounter mistakes such as hyphenating words that should not be hyphenated, like cooperate, nonprofit, or underestimate; not hyphenating words that should be hyphenated, like co-worker, non-smoker, or under-report; or hyphenating words differently in different places, such as re-examine and reexamine. Another frequent error is hyphenating words incorrectly across line breaks, like break-ing instead of break-ing, or re-sult instead of result. To prevent these issues, it is necessary to be mindful of the rules and tips outlined in this article and double check your work.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?