Understanding Hyphens for Clarity
English
GCSE
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet focusing on the correct use of hyphens to improve clarity in writing, designed for GCSE students.
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Understanding Hyphens for Clarity
Subject: EnglishGrade: GCSE
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade GCSE
A
Introduction to Hyphens
Proper use of hyphens is essential for clear writing. Hyphens are used to join words in compound adjectives, to prevent ambiguity, and in certain prefixes and suffixes. For example, a well-known author often writes about a part-time job. Misplaced hyphens can cause confusion, such as in the phrase 'small-business owner' versus 'small business owner'. Understanding when to use hyphens helps ensure that your writing is precise and easily understood.
1.
Explain why hyphens are important in written English.
[2 marks]B
Hyphen Usage in Compound Adjectives
Compound adjectives often include hyphens to modify a noun clearly. For example, 'a well-written essay' or 'a high-speed train'. When the adjectives come before the noun, hyphens are generally necessary. However, they are rarely used after the noun.
1.
Identify the hyphenated adjective in this sentence: 'She has a fast-growing collection of novels.'
[2 marks]2.
Provide a hyphenated version of the phrase: 'a highly skilled technician.'
[2 marks]C
Avoiding Ambiguity with Hyphens
Hyphens can change the meaning of a phrase. For example, 'small-business owner' refers to an owner of a small business, whereas 'small business owner' could imply an owner who owns a small business without hyphens. Proper hyphen use ensures the sentence’s meaning is clear.
1.
Rewrite the phrase with hyphens to clarify: 'The students were well behaved during the exam.'
[2 marks]2.
Explain how hyphens prevent confusion in the phrase: 'a low-income family'.
[2 marks]D
Hyphens with Prefixes and Suffixes
Some prefixes and suffixes are hyphenated to avoid awkward consonant clusters or to improve clarity. For example, 'ex-president', 'self-esteem', or 'well-being'. Not all prefixes require hyphens, so understanding the rules is important.
1.
Provide a hyphenated form of 'reevaluate'.
[2 marks]2.
Choose the correctly hyphenated phrase: a) self-esteem b) self-esteem c) selfesteem d) self-esteem.
Aa) self-esteem
Bb) self-esteem
Cc) selfesteem
Dd) self-esteem
E
Creative Writing Prompt
Write a short paragraph (around 150 words) describing your favourite place using a range of hyphenated adjectives and phrases. Ensure clarity and correctness in your hyphen use.
1.
Write your paragraph here.
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Details
- Created
- 1/1/2026
- Updated
- 1/1/2026
- Type
- worksheet