Where should the writer add a hyphen in the sentence: …

English Questions

Read the sentence. I spend about half my time, he spends two thirds of his time, and she spends a quarter, or maybe a third, of her time on research. Where in the sentence should the writer add a hyphen? I spend about-half my time, he spends two thirds of his time, and she spends a quarter, or maybe a third, of her time on research. I spend about half my time, he spends two-thirds of his time, and she spends a quarter, or maybe a third, of her time on research. I spend about half my time, he spends two thirds of his time, and she spends a quarter, or maybe a-third, of her time on research. I spend about half my time, he spends two thirds of his time, and she spends a quarter, or maybe-a-third, of her time on research.

Short Answer

The text discusses the varying time commitments individuals dedicate to research, highlighting the correct use of hyphenation for fractions like “two-thirds.” It emphasizes the importance of clarity in presenting these fractions to avoid potential misinterpretations, ensuring that only related terms are hyphenated.

Step-by-Step Solution

Understand Time Investment

In analyzing how much time individuals spend on research, we see different fractions representing each person’s commitment. For example:

  • I spend about half my time on research.
  • He spends two-thirds of his time on research.
  • She dedicates a quarter or perhaps a third of her time to research.

Utilize Hyphenation Correctly

In the expression ‚ÄöAutwo-thirds‚ÄöAu, it is important to use a hyphen to connect the words, making it clear they function together as one quantity. This clarifies that the fraction specifically refers to a portion of time dedicated to research, avoiding confusion with unrelated words. Using hyphens emphasizes the relationship within fractions.

Avoid Misinterpretation

Be careful not to confuse standalone words with fractions. For instance, ‚ÄöAuabout-half‚ÄöAu and ‚ÄöAua-third‚ÄöAu should not be hyphenated as they are not fractions but rather two separate ideas. To maintain clarity, only link terms that create a mutual meaning, such as ‚ÄöAutwo-thirds,‚ÄöAu which clearly indicates the fraction of time spent on research.

Related Concepts

Time Investment

Defining how much time individuals commit to various activities, particularly research

Hyphenation

A punctuation mark used to connect words or parts of words, particularly in fractions, to indicate that they function together as a single entity

Misinterpretation

The act of misunderstanding or misrepresenting the meaning of a term or concept, leading to confusion or errors in communication.

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