I was just wondering when or if it is more appropriate to use hyphens when writing “up to date”. In my quick research I found this:
Re: up to date vs. up-to-date
The rule is the same as for most other compounds like this. It depends on the function in the sentence. If it is an adjective, the hyphens are preferred: up-to-date fashions, up-to-date immunizations, etc.
If the phrase follows a linking (copulative verb), the hyphens are not needed.
The immunizations were up to date.
Her fashion sense required that she always be dressed in clothes that were up to date.
Just thought I would help the world out by posting that. I guess you are now up to date on hyphen usage because of my up-to-date tip.
14 replies on “Up To Date Vs. Up-To-Date”
I like the hypens. But that's just me!
What the heck is a hypen?
It's a spelling mistake.
This is a great summary with examples. Thanks!
whats a copulative verb, sounds sexy
A nice clear explaination. Thank you.
helped a lot…thanks
Thanks! Glad I googled this-and that it brought me here.
Love your explanation! Thanks!
As simple as that. Very useful. Thanks from Brazil (Fortaleza-Ceará)
Thank you for the advice. It’s what I do instinctively, but it was helpful to have an explanation of the grammar behind it. I admit I’d never heard of copulative verbs before. They sound a bit risqué!
Hilarious and succinct. Thank you.
Thanks for-the-tips! Now my grammar’s be impeccable :)
Really helpful, very clear explanation, thanks :)