1. Hyphen Use With “Related” When Modifying A Noun
When the word “related” is used to modify a noun, it is customary to include a hyphen before “related.” This hyphen serves to join the words together and indicate that they work as a unit to describe the noun. Without the hyphen, the meaning of the phrase may change or become unclear.
2. Examples: “Work-Related Project” And “School-Related Issue”
To better understand the use of hyphens with “related,” let’s take a look at a few examples. Consider the phrases “work-related project” and “school-related issue.” In these instances, the hyphen clarifies that the projects are related to work and the issue is related to school.
Without the hyphen, these phrases could be misinterpreted as different ideas altogether.
3. AP Stylebook Recommendation For Hyphen Use
According to the AP Stylebook, which is widely recognized as the industry standard for journalistic writing, hyphens should be used to link multiple words that modify the same noun. This means that when “related” is used in conjunction with a noun to describe a specific type or category, a hyphen should be included.
4. No Hyphen Needed For “Related” Words Not Modifying A Noun
It is important to note that not all instances of “related” require a hyphen. When “related” is used as a standalone adjective and does not modify a noun, a hyphen is unnecessary.
For example, the phrase “She is not related to him” does not require a hyphen since “related” is not modifying a noun but rather describing the relationship between two individuals.
5. Stylistic Choice: Hyphen Use In Phrases Like “Work-Related”
The use of hyphens in phrases like “work-related” is a matter of stylistic choice. Both hyphenated and unhyphenated forms are considered correct, depending on the style guide or preference of the writer.
However, it is generally recommended to keep it hyphenated to maintain clarity and ensure that the words are understood as working together to modify the noun.
6. Acceptability Of Both Hyphenated And Unhyphenated Forms
While both hyphenated and unhyphenated forms of “related” are acceptable, it is worth noting that keeping the hyphenated form is more commonly recommended. By using the hyphen, it emphasizes the connection between the words and helps readers understand the intended meaning.
However, in informal writing or contexts where the lack of a hyphen does not affect the clarity of the sentence, the unhyphenated form can also be used.
7. Hyphen Use In AP Style Vs.
Other Styles
In AP Style, the use of hyphens in phrases like “work-related” is encouraged to ensure consistency and clarity. AP Style emphasizes the importance of using hyphens to join words that modify the same noun, making it ideal for journalistic writing where precision is essential.
Other style guides, such as Chicago Manual of Style or MLA, may have slightly different rules regarding hyphen use. It is essential to consult the appropriate style guide for a specific writing context or publication.
8. “Work Related” As A Noun When Unhyphenated
When “work-related” is written without a hyphen as “work related,” it changes the part of speech from an adjective to a noun. In this case, “work related” could refer to the concept of work being related to something else, rather than describing a specific project or issue.
This distinction is crucial, and the use of hyphens or lack thereof can significantly impact the intended meaning of a sentence or phrase.
In conclusion, the hyphen before “related” is used to modify a noun and should be included in phrases like “work-related project” and “school-related issue.” The AP Stylebook recommends using hyphens to link multiple words that modify the same noun. However, “related” words do not need a hyphen when they are not used to modify a noun.
The use of hyphens in phrases like “work-related” is a matter of style choice, but it is generally recommended to keep it hyphenated for clarity. Both hyphenated and unhyphenated forms are acceptable, but the appropriate choice depends on the chosen style guide or the context of the writing.
