Which phrase uses hyphens correctly?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. a ten-year-old boy
- Step 1: When 'ten year old' describes a noun it becomes a compound adjective joined by hyphens. Step 2. The unit stays singular: 'ten-year-old'. Answer: a ten-year-old boy. Why not the others: a ten year-old boy: This leaves out the first hyphen so 'ten' is separated. a ten-years-old boy: This makes 'years' plural, but in a compound adjective it stays singular. a ten-year old-boy: This puts a hyphen between 'old' and 'boy' instead of between 'year' and 'old'.
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