Hyphenation

General Principle 3
Most compound adjective rules are applicable only when the compound adjective precedes the term it modifies. If a compound adjective follows the term, do not use a hyphen, because relationships are sufficiently clear without one.

client-centered counseling
but
the counseling was client centered

t-test results
but
results from t tests

same-sex children
but
children of the same sex

General Principle 4
Write most words formed with prefixes as one word.

aftereffect
extracurricular
multiphase
socioeconomic

General Principle 5
When two or more compound modifiers have a common base, this base is sometimes omitted in all except the last modifier, but the hyphens are retained.

Long- and short-term memory
2-, 3-, and 10-min trials

See Publication Manual for exceptions to these principles.

(adapted from the fifth edition of APA's Publication Manual, © 2001)

Hyphenation - General Principle 1
Hyphenation - General Principle 2
Hyphenation - General Principles 3–5

Removing Bias in Language
Disabilities
Race & Ethnicity
Sexuality

Electronic Media
Electronic Media and URLs
Electronic Media Spelling Guide

Authorship Aids
Ethics of Publication
Determining Authorship: Students

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