OnlineBookClub.org

I'm reading a certain book and the author only hyphenates the first two words when stating the age. In my opinion, there should be hyphens between all three words if the compound modifier for age precedes the noun. I'm confused whether I should mark that as an error.

What are your thoughts? Is there a valid reason for the way the author writes it (say, ten-year old boy instead of ten-year-old boy).

Hi,

My initial response to your question seemed straightforward: I agreed with your reasoning that it was an error. Then, I searched for a reference to support our position and found this little provision for using an en dash in certain multi-word modifiers. Aargh! I avoid using the middle-length dash whenever possible. The concept is when you have a phrase with multiple modifiers, if there is a compound noun, keep it open and use the en dash to more clearly identify the descriptive units. Aargh again! The first two references below cover this scenario, but it does not apply in your case. I just threw it in for free because I found it interesting.

Although hyphens can sometimes be omitted if the meaning is clear, having hyphens for only part of the phrasal adjective does not add clarity, and I would mark it as an error. The last reference supports this stance.

Thank you for asking your question. I learned something today!

https://www.grammarbook.com/blog/defini ... t-precede/
https://www.editorgroup.com/blog/to-hyp ... hyphenate/
https://www.tckpublishing.com/year-old-hyphen/

Considering that the author only hyphenates once when mentioning age specifically, I think it’s likely an error that the author isn’t aware of. If it were used in a unique context, I’d be more forgiving of it. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that choice used in a professional literary work.

“Ten-year-old boy” reads like the age (ten) is important.

“Ten-year old boy” reads like the given age (ten) is considered to be old.

By opting for the latter example, you run the risk of supplying information that you’re not intending to convey.

Grammar is a BEAST. Haha! So. Many. Rules.