Re: Spelling

["Paul E Ruhter/RUH/CC01/INEEL/US" <RUH@inel.gov>]

Hyphenation is determined by the use and meaning, and needs to be
considered primarily with multiple adjectives; the exception being pointed
out in the earlier note about suffixes to capital letters.  Example - X-ray
is always hyphenated.

If two words are being used to modify a noun, they are separated by a comma
if they independently modify the noun; they are separated by a hyphen if
one modifies the other.  An example:  Let's assume I have a car that is
dark red.  I, therefore, have a dark-red car. I might also have a dark car
(no lights are on) that is red, in which case I would have a dark, red car.

A simple test to use with the example above:  Is it a red car? Is it a dark
car?  If the answer is yes to both questions, separate with a comma.  If
either answer is "no" to either, use a hyphen.  Another test: Is it a dark
car that is also red?  If the answer is yes, use a comma.

"Leak testing" would be hyphenated if you had a leak-testing machine, but
would not by hyphenated if you were just leak testing.
Is it a leak machine? Is it a testing machine? No; Yes: Hyphenate.  Is it a
leak machine that is also testing? No! Use a hyphen.

That took longer than I thought it should, but was a pleasant diversion.  I
hope it is as entertaining for you as instructional!!

Paul E. Ruhter
ruh@inel.gov

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