hyphens or no hyphens?

Becky Writes · Oct 26, 2006

She uncessfully tried to match them step-for-step.

She uncessfully tried to match them step for step.

What say you?

BottomlessCup · Oct 26, 2006

I'd use a hyphen.

But I love hyphens.

BottomlessCup · Oct 26, 2006

Actually, I've given it some thought.

No hyphens.

Becky Writes · Oct 26, 2006

Are you sure? :tongue

BottomlessCup · Oct 26, 2006

No.

I think it's probably a style issue.

I would if it were "step-by-step instructions" definitely, but your example doesn't feel the same. It's not (IMO) a compund adjective or germanism or teutonicism or whatever you call those things, due to its placement in the sentence.

I would use hyphens if it were something like, "She matched them with step-for-step diligence." or something like that.

I'm sure the whizzes will be here soon to answer the question with some degree of clarity and accuracy.

askeladd · Oct 26, 2006

If it's being used as an adjective preceding a noun, then it gets hyphenated:

The well-liked teacher retired after teaching for 30 years.

Otherwise, no hypens:

The teacher was well liked by students and staff alike.

I forget the precise terminology, but that's it in a nutshell.

veronie · Oct 27, 2006

No hyphens as you've given it in your example.

She followed them step for step.

She followed with a step-for-step pace. (compound modifier. What kind of pace? A step-for-step pace.)

aghast · Oct 27, 2006

no hyphens in that case, unless its 'i give her step-by-step instructions'

Maryn · Oct 28, 2006

I'm a sick, sick woman--I taped a sheet on compound adjectives and hyphenation to the kids' bathroom mirror.

Like askeladd and others have said, step for step is a compound term--all three words have to be there for it to make sense. The 'rule' is that such terms are hyphenated when they appear before the noun but not after it, unless the hyphenation is needed for clarity. Clarity trumps all, IMO.

Maryn, who should have posted messages about cleaning up after yourself

scarletpeaches · Oct 28, 2006

Uncessfully?

What??

Lance_in_Shanghai · Oct 30, 2006

I agree with Maryn but I like hyphens other than those long m-dash ones that are used to show a pause. We should use hyphens to show that the words must be considered as though they formed a single word. Use a hyphen anytime you think it is well-placed. I even use them to separate co-ordinate and re-enact. But editors will strike these last two down angrily along with my spelling of grey.

Maryn · Oct 31, 2006

On a clear day I can see Canada, so I do "grey," too. I feel semi-entitled.

Maryn, who doesn't see many clear days

Becky Writes · Nov 2, 2006

scarletpeaches said:
Uncessfully?

What??

Gosh, I just left 3 letters out. Wuduya expect? Perfection?

hyphens or no hyphens?

Becky Writes

Go Tarheels!

BottomlessCup

Getting settled

BottomlessCup

Getting settled

Becky Writes

Go Tarheels!

BottomlessCup

Getting settled

askeladd

Polyglot

veronie

practical experience, FTW

aghast

Maryn

I Tried

scarletpeaches

Lance_in_Shanghai

Maryn

I Tried

Becky Writes

Go Tarheels!