Hyphens with prefixes

Last Updated : Dec 09, 2022 |
Prolog information
Metadata
Keywords:
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