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To hyphenate or not to hyphenate, that is the question! - Justnotsure

Posted: Mar 12, 2014

Her Lantus was changed to [twice daily or] twice-daily Levemir.

Follow up with Dr. Whatshisface on [next available or] next-available basis.

I'm never quite sure on these. Anybody have a 'punctuation rule' or something I can use to help me make the correct choice?

Thanks!

Hyphenates - Act as adjectives

[ In Reply To ..]
"Levemir" is described by "twice-daily," describes "Levemir."

Same w/ Dr. Whosis: "basis" is described by "next-available."

The rule is that if a phrase describes a noun, it's a hyphenate & "acts" as an adjective:

almost-closed door
nearly-dry towel
easily-handled bricks
difficult-to-pass exam

with the exception of ly words - isnt that right?

[ In Reply To ..]
words ending in ly are not hyphenated

not always true. sm. - FlaMT

[ In Reply To ..]
Depends on the word ending in -ly.

Adjectives ending in -ly used as a compound modifier are hyphenated (like eldery-appearing female, since elderly is an adjective). Adverbs ending in -ly used as a compound modifier are NOT hyphenated (like moderately overweight female, since moderately is an adverb). :)

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