A possessive noun shows ownership. We add an apostrophe -s ( ‘s ) onto a noun to show that the noun owns something. This is the boy’s bike. The ‘s on the end of boy shows that the boy owns… Read more163. The Apostrophe With Possessive Nouns

Use an apostrophe whenever you are talking about more than one number, letter, or symbol. Plural letters need an apostrophe. four B’s – I need four B’s to write my full name.seven X’s – I used seven X’s in this… Read more164. Apostrophes for Plural Letters, Numbers, and Symbols

A hyphen ( – ) is a short dash used within certain words. We use a hyphen inside of number words. When we write a number larger than twenty using words, we need a hyphen.23 = twenty-three56 = fifty-six49 =… Read more166. Using the Hyphen With Numbers

We use a hyphen inside a two-word adjective when the adjective comes before the noun it describes.Here are some examples:a two-word adjectivea well-known authora high-profile clienta long-term contractan up-to-date computer system In each of these examples, the hyphenated adjective is… Read more167. Hyphenated Adjectives

A hyphen ( – ) is a short dash used inside certain words. Compound words are two words joined together as one. doghousefiremansnowflakeEach compound word is made up of two smaller words. Some compound words are spelled with a hyphen…. Read more168. Hyphenated Compound Words

Here are three prefixes that always use a hyphen when forming words: ex, all, self Use a hyphen after the prefix -ex when ex– means “former.”ex-girlfriendex-husbandex-presidentex-governorex-sister-in-law Use a hyphen after the prefix all- when all- is modifying a noun or… Read more169. Use a Hyphen With Certain Prefixes

A dash ( – ) looks like a hyphen. A hyphen is used inside of words. A dash is used between parts of a sentence. Use a dash when you want to show an interruption in thought. I really need… Read more171. Using the Dash