Dividing Words at End of Line

Hyphens are used to divide words at the end of a line when the word cannot fit on the remainder of the
line.

It is best not to divide a word this way. If necessary for considerations of space or format, there are
seven rules to follow.

1. Divide the word between syllables. This means, of course, that one-syllable words are never
divided.

Incorrect: Incorrect: Correct:

sp- su- sup-
orts pport port

2. The hyphen goes at the end of the first line.

Incorrect: Correct:
sup sup-
-port port

3. Prefixes and suffixes make natural divisions.

Incorrect: Correct:
in- inter-
ternational national

(The prefix is inter.)

4. There should be at least two letters plus the hyphen on the first line and three letters on the
second.

Incorrect: Incorrect: Correct:

e- supposed- sup-
lect ly posedly

5. Do not divide proper nouns or proper adjectives.

Incorrect: Correct:
Wash-
Washington
ington

6. Divide hyphenated word using the hyphen already in the word.

Incorrect: Correct:
moth- mother-
er-in-law in-law

7. Do not divide a word at the end of a line if the parts of the word will be on two separate pages. This
is hard for the reader to follow.