In the IELTS exam is the misuse of hyphenation counted as an error?

Question

If you miss a needed hyphenation is a compound adjective modifier, will it be counted as a wrong answer?

Answer 1

If you misuse or leave out a hyphen in the IELTS exam it will be counted as wrong. Make sure that you understand the correct use of hyphens in writing and reading.

The hyphen is a modifier for a noun. It is a compound adjective. The basic rules are that if the modifier comes before the noun that it modifies, it will be hyphenated. If the modifier comes after the noun it does not need to be hyphenated.

Example: For first-rate service, go the restaurant on the corner. (modifier is before the noun).

If the modifier comes is placed after the noun that it modifies, then it does not need to be hyphenated.

Example: The service at that restaurant is first rate. (modifier is after the noun).

Exceptions.

Words that end in "-ly" do not need hyphens. Example: The newly painted room is spacious.

Words with the affixes "pre," "mid," and "post" do not require hyphens.

Numbers and fractions do require hyphenation at all times. Twenty-first, or one-third are some examples.