2006-08-25 05:10:39 · 10 answers · asked by Sandi R 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
When two or more words act as a single modifier BEFORE a noun, a hyphen forms those words clearly as a unit.
We attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
2006-08-25 05:23:21 · answer #1 · answered by slwilson1966 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what's after it.
If the phrase is being used as a modifier for a noun, it can be hyphenated (although this practice is going away in modern English):
There was a very nice ribbon-cutting ceremony today.
If "cutting" is the noun, there would be no need for a hyphen:
My father practically makes a profession of ribbon cutting.
2006-08-25 16:33:54 · answer #2 · answered by drshorty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. I think a hyphen makes one word out of two or more that would be a phrase, but I don't see these two as necessary to join like that. For example a jack-in-the-box is what a certain toy is called, and if it were not hyphenated would be taken more literally as jack being in the box. But I think a ribbon cutting is two ideas that connect well without the hyphen. We'll see if others agree.
2006-08-25 05:17:03 · answer #3 · answered by mary_n_the_lamb 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
you can cut it any way you want but it looks best at an angle, or a v in the middle. then so it doesn't fray, take a lighter and lightly go fast back and forth so the end melts and stays intact. practice first on a scrap piece and don't get too close or do it too slow or you'll burn, or discolor the ribbon. you have to be careful with a paint like clear varnish or clear fingernail polish because it might bleed and look really bad plus it takes a lot more time. Fray check REALLY bleeds and the bottle has a precise little tip and you have to carefully go along the edge and if you are doing many invitations, it will take forever!
2016-03-27 05:36:04 · answer #4 · answered by Heidi 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would leave it as 2 words, you can hyphenate if you feel like it... but don't try making one word out of it!
2006-08-28 21:20:54 · answer #5 · answered by jake cigar™ is retired 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I say no because ribbon is a noun and it is identifying the word cutting which is a verb.
2006-08-25 06:03:04 · answer #6 · answered by MaryLouise 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hyphenate when it is not clear to the reader what it is you may be trying to explain. i.e. French-polishing. I'm not sure about your example......I would have thought it would not be wrong, as it would help in understanding.
2006-08-25 05:30:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Along with cost cutting and all the others.
2006-08-25 05:14:04 · answer #8 · answered by JeffE 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
slwilson1966: I think she's right.
2006-08-25 05:38:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no.
2006-08-25 05:15:49 · answer #10 · answered by ♥ღαмαиdα♥ღ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋