Hyphen question

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

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Drue Tibbits
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Hyphen question

Post by Drue Tibbits »

Are hyphens considered objective or subjective errors? Or are they uncounted errors? Or are they considered "style", and not errors at all? The reason I ask is because I am reviewing a book that, aside from its lack of hyphenation, has very few errors. I would rate it a 5 out of 5, but if I have to count all the hyphen errors, I would be forced to rate it a 4 out of 5. And that would be a shame because it's a pretty good book. Here are some examples of what seem to me to be hyphen errors (because they are not hyphenated):
He was a good natured guy.
He was a larger than life character.
She was a light skinned woman.
She lives in a world famous building.
Her sweat soaked shirt confirmed she was hot.

And on and on. There are at least a hundred of these types of (possible?) errors in the book because the author is a very descriptive writer. So, before I get dinged by an editor for counting these as objective errors when the editor thinks they should be subjective or uncounted, should I list these as errors and reduce my rating? Or do I list them as uncounted errors and give the book a 5 out of 5? What do editors think about hyphens?
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Diana Lowery
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Post by Diana Lowery »

I think they are errors. However, I might be tempted to list them as uncounted for the reasons that you mentioned.
Blueberry Dragon
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Post by Blueberry Dragon »

Thank you for clarifying on how to deal with such issues, @Diana Lowery.
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