Is “partner in crime” hyphenated? This question often arises in the realm of grammar and writing, especially when it comes to the usage of hyphens in compound nouns. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of hyphenation and determine whether “partner in crime” should be hyphenated or not.
The phrase “partner in crime” refers to someone who is an accomplice or associate in a criminal activity. Whether it should be hyphenated or not depends on the context in which it is used. In general, compound nouns are hyphenated when they are used as adjectives before a noun, or when they are two or more words that form a single idea or entity.
When “partner in crime” is used as an adjective before a noun, it should be hyphenated. For example:
– The police were searching for the partner in crime who had helped the thief escape.
In this sentence, “partner in crime” is acting as an adjective, describing the thief’s accomplice.
However, when “partner in crime” is used as a standalone phrase, it does not require a hyphen. For example:
– They were a notorious pair, partners in crime for years.
In this sentence, “partners in crime” is simply a phrase describing two individuals who have been associated with each other in criminal activities.
It is important to note that the hyphenation rules can vary depending on the style guide being followed. For instance, The Chicago Manual of Style recommends hyphenating compound adjectives when they come before a noun, while The Associated Press Stylebook does not require hyphenation in this context.
In conclusion, “partner in crime” should be hyphenated when used as an adjective before a noun, but not when used as a standalone phrase. Understanding the context and the purpose of the phrase in a sentence will help determine whether hyphenation is necessary.
