What is the correct spacing around a hyphen?

What is the correct spacing around a hyphen?

• A. 1 space before, 1 space after
• B. 0 spaces before, 1 space after
• C. 1 space before, 0 spaces after
• D. No spaces

Answer: (A)

The correct spacing around a hyphen is no spaces at all. When using a hyphen to connect words or parts of words, such as in compound adjectives (e.g., well-known) or to split a word at the end of a line, there should be no spaces on either side. This maintains clarity and consistency in writing, ensuring that the hyphen effectively serves its purpose in connecting the elements it relates to without creating confusion that spaces might introduce. In most style guides, including those followed in professional keyboarding, the use of a hyphen forms part of the words it connects, solidifying their relationship and function. Thus, having spaces around the hyphen would not be correct. This practice is particularly important in formal writing and keyboarding standards to promote readability and correctness in text.

The correct spacing around a hyphen is no spaces at all. When using a hyphen to connect words or parts of words, such as in compound adjectives (e.g., well-known) or to split a word at the end of a line, there should be no spaces on either side. This maintains clarity and consistency in writing, ensuring that the hyphen effectively serves its purpose in connecting the elements it relates to without creating confusion that spaces might introduce.

In most style guides, including those followed in professional keyboarding, the use of a hyphen forms part of the words it connects, solidifying their relationship and function. Thus, having spaces around the hyphen would not be correct. This practice is particularly important in formal writing and keyboarding standards to promote readability and correctness in text.