a punctuation mark that can join two words to make one compound adjective

an adjective formed of two hyphenated words

a punctuation mark that can join a prefix to a base word to avoid spelling or meaning ambiguity

a punctuation mark that can invite the reader to read on or to increase tension

Hyphens and ellipsis

English

In this unit, pupils learn how to use the colon and the semi-colon.

In 'Speech punctuation, parenthesis and apostrophes', pupils learnt to punctuate a speech interrupted sentence. In this unit, pupils will learn how to use the colon and the semi-colon. 

Punctuation 

We use them to join words or parts of words.

We can use them to create compound adjectives. 

We can use them to add prefixes to words. 

forty two thousand, three hundred and fifty-one

Which of the following numbers are punctuated correctly?

Which of these phrases requires a hyphen to create a compound adjective? 

The man eating shark approached the shore. 

As I surfed on the waves, I kept an eye peeled for the man eating shark. 

The lifeguard scanned the area, searching for any sign of a man-eating shark. 

Which of these sentences makes clear that the shark is capable of eating the man? 

Match the prefixes with hyphens to the root words that they could be joined to. 

at the end of a paragraph to invite the reader to read on

to join two words to make a compound adjective

to build tension by adding a pause before the end of a sentence

What are two ways we can use ellipsis in our writing? 

Match the groups of words with the ways the apostrophe has been used. 

The polar bear rubbed its head against the bars. 

Its a difficult situation, but we need to do more.

The laptop wasn't working so I removed its battery. 

Which sentence is missing an apostrophe for contraction? 

We took turns playing with the basketball.

Sams dad offered us a lift to the match. 

Which sentence should contain an apostrophe for singular possession?

Which sentence correctly uses the **apostrophe for singular possession** for the idea 'the suggestions belonging to the girl'?

Which sentence correctly uses the **apostrophe for singular possession** for the idea 'the suggestions belonging to Lucas'?

I was impressed by the boys' suggestions.

I was impressed by the boys's suggestions. 

I was impressed by the boy's suggestions. 

Which sentence correctly uses the **apostrophe for plural possession** for the idea 'the suggestions belonging to the boys'?

Starter Quiz