3 Common Types of Phrasal-Adjective Hyphenation Errors

3 Common Types of Phrasal-Adjective Hyphenation Errors 3 Common Types of Phrasal-Adjective Hyphenation Errors 3 Common Types of Phrasal-Adjective Hyphenation Errors By Mark Nichol One of the most ubiquitous categories of error in written composition is failure to provide a visual clue to readers that two or more words preceding a noun are temporarily functioning as a single unit of information. After each of the sentences below, a discussion explains one of several types of such mistakes, and revisions demonstrate correct usage. 1. This new work will represent one of the highest profile projects. The basic phrasal adjective consist of two words combined to modify a noun, and the basic error in the use of phrasal adjectives is to omit a hyphen, which is often (but not always) necessary: â€Å"This new work will represent one of the highest-profile projects.† (Exceptions include terms listed in the dictionary as open permanent compounds, such as â€Å"income tax.†) 2. The agency recommends removal of the four-business day limit. Another type of hyphenation error with phrasal adjectives is hyphenating only the first and second words in a three-word string that modifies a noun. Here, the sentence is revised to reflect that the reference is to a limit of four business days, not a day limit of four businesses: â€Å"The agency recommends removal of the four-business-day limit.† 3. This guide includes a special supplement on the first of its kind regulation requiring certification and screening programs. Errors also occur when a writer fails to acknowledge that an entire phrase- which, like other phrasal adjectives, needs no hyphenation in isolation (For example, in â€Å"This regulation is the first of its kind†)- requires the connective symbols in before-the-noun mode: â€Å"This guide includes a special supplement on the first-of-its-kind regulation requiring certification and screening programs.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Mostly Small But Expressive InterjectionsDriver License vs. Driver’s LicenseOne "L" or Two?

7 Good Reasons to Leave a Job

7 Good Reasons to Leave a Job You’ve worked incredibly hard to get where you are. You’ve secured a position you’re sure you should feel incredibly grateful to be in. But what if you’re not happy? What if you’re not where you’re supposed to be? Is it time to leave? While there are a number of risks associated with cutting your losses, particularly if you’re more established in your career and job hopping remains a stigma in your field, there are a number of good reasons why you should push through and make a change.1. You’re not getting paid what you are worth.If you find out that you’re making less than the market rate and then find out that your boss won’t budge with your salary. Money isn’t the only factor in keeping a job. It’s not the only thing that matters when it comes to career fulfillment, but sometimes it should be taken into serious consideration. Especially if it means you aren’t being valued as you should.2. Yo ur health is suffering.If your job is causing so much stress that it’s affecting your health, then it’s almost certainly time to back away. The connection between stress and physical health is a real one and risking your body is not worth the risk.3. There’s nowhere to grow.You’ve been in the same place for a long time, jobwise. Other people have been promoted around you or have moved onto better things. You really love your job, but you have to think about your future. If you’ve been stuck in your position for years and there’s no room above you to grow? Go somewhere else.4. It’s shady.If you’re being treated unfairly or can see someone being treated unfairly, or perhaps you’ve noticed unethical or illegal dealings†¦ any one of these things should be grounds for your red flags to fly.5. Your boss doesn’t have your back.You’re not supported. You’re not encouraged. And when the stuff hits the fan , your boss is just not in your corner. It’s important to have a boss who challenges and nurtures you, who helps you to grow your skills and achieve more. If you don’t have that, it might be worth looking around until you find it.6. You have no security.You feel like you’re always waiting for the axe to fall or the other shoe to drop. There are layoffs or changes all the time. Your position continues to morph in ways that don’t make sense or fulfill you. And whenever you ask for answers, none are forthcoming. If you feel insecure or in the dark, it might be time to move on.7. You just don’t care.You know when you’ve mentally checked out and are no longer trying or caring. If you’ve gotten to that point it’s time to do some serious soul-searching. Either figure out how to get your head back in the game or figure out how to get out of your dead end job.