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hypen question please . . . - what is the proper

Posted: Jun 03, 2010

way to type this. "A 5 cm incision was made . . . ."

so is it 5 cm (with a space) or 5-cm (with a hypen). i guess what i am asking is when do or do not use the hypen with centimeters? I have heard conflicting stories.

thanking one and all in advance.

I was taught with no hyphen - mmmmm

[ In Reply To ..]
xx

and i was taught - that it was

[ In Reply To ..]
if the measurement is used as an adjective: a 5-cm incision, then you use the hypen.

if it not an adjective then it is w/o the space: incisions measured 5 cm.

so go figure.

hyphen - nan

[ In Reply To ..]
That's how I was also taught.

A 5-cm incision. The incision was 5 cm in length.

Taught that way too, but now no hyphens with metric - measurements. Only inches, feet, etc. NM

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x

tough - r

[ In Reply To ..]
according to my guide it says that hyphens are the preferred way, but no hyphen is acceptable.
(ie. A 2-cm scar was noted. VS A 2 cm scar was noted)

Also, it says when an English unit of measure is used as a compound adjective, a hyphen is used.
(ie. The patient sustained a 3-inch wound to his distal forearm.)

So i think it goes to whatever your style...

thank you one and all - you are the best

[ In Reply To ..]
thanks for the input. i was just not sure which road to take but thank you all!!

Per BOS3 - no hyphen. - NM

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x

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