Hyphens with prefixes

Last Updated : Dec 09, 2022 |

Do not use a hyphen between most prefixes and root words. Prefixes include anti, bi, co, inter, intra, macro, micro, meta, multi, non, post, pre, pro, re, semi, sub, un, under.

Preferred

Discouraged

You can access a list of multimedia endpoints.

You can access a list of multi-media endpoints.

Use the Call Coverage feature to reroute incoming calls to alternate phone numbers.

Use the Call Coverage feature to re-route incoming calls to alternate phone numbers..

Use a hyphen:

  • When the root word is a proper noun, a number, or an abbreviation.

  • With the prefix self.

Preferred

Discouraged

Record one greeting for TTY users and a different greeting for non-TTY users.

Record one greeting for TTY users and a different greeting for non TTY users.

The purpose of the field is self-explanatory.

The purpose of the field is self explanatory.

With a hyphen, re- means to do something again. For example, re-cover means to cover again, but recover has a different meaning. Avoid using words that have a different meaning when hyphenated to prevent confusion.

Double vowels

In general, do not use a hyphen when a prefix results in a double vowel and each vowel is pronounced. Otherwise, use a hyphen to avoid a double vowel.

Examples

Pre-engineered

Anti-inflammatory

Cooperate

Preempt

Reunite

Words formed with prefixes

The following table provides examples of words formed with prefixes.

When a word formed with a prefix is long and difficult to read, consider writing a description instead. For example, instead of writing postinstallation, write after installation. Similarly, avoid using words that have different meanings with or without a hyphen.

Prefix

Examples

anti

anti-inflammatory, antispyware, antivirus

auto

autoanswer, autodial

bi

bilingual, bimonthly

co

cooperate, coworker, coauthor, coordinate

extra

extra-administrative

hyper

hypertext

infra

infrastructure

inter

interact, international, interdependent

intra

intranet

micro

microprocessor

meta

metadata, metafile

multi

multichannel, multilevel, multimedia, multipurpose

Note:

When using multiple as a compound modifier, include a hyphen.

non

nonnegotiable, nonadjacent

post

postdate, postoperative

pre

preallocate, preempt, pre-engineered, prefix

pro

proactive

re

reenter, recover

Note:

Re-cover means to cover again, but recover has a different meaning. Avoid using words, such as re-cover, which have a different meaning when hyphenated.

self

self-appointed

semi

semiconductor

sub

subsection, sub-Saharan, subclass

un

undo, unread, uninstall

under

underline, underscore