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Pedants' corner

Hyphenating times: half-past ten or half past ten?

4 replies

Descriptivist · 31/07/2013 22:41

I always thought that, when used adverbially, a hyphen should be used for 'half-past hour'. The two style books I have just consulted offer no insight on this particular case. Google seems to be conflicted, and leaning towards no hyphen. Looking at it again, 'half past ten' looks more usual to me now. But what say ye, pedants?

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HorryIsUpduffed · 31/07/2013 22:48

Without.

I can't reconcile any hyphen rules with it.

The only time I think one might use a hyphen would be if you were talking about eg "the half-past chimes" but otherwise I think definitely no.

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DramaAlpaca · 31/07/2013 22:48

No hyphen.

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Descriptivist · 31/07/2013 22:51

Thank you both!

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cheerfulweather · 31/07/2013 22:54

I thought no hyphen when used adverbially.

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