how to hyphenate a year

2 min read 06-02-2025

The question of how to hyphenate years often arises when writing dates. While the rules are relatively straightforward, there are nuances to consider for clarity and consistent style. This guide will clarify the proper hyphenation of years, providing examples and helpful tips.

When to Hyphenate Years

Hyphenating years depends primarily on their usage within the text. The general rule is to hyphenate years spanning two centuries. This improves readability and prevents misinterpretations.

Spanning Two Centuries (1800s-1900s): Always Hyphenate

Years that fall between two centuries are always hyphenated. This applies to both decades and individual years expressed as two separate numbers.

Correct: 1980-1989, 1899-1900
Incorrect: 1980-1989 (without hyphen), 1899-1900 (without hyphen)

This is crucial for preventing ambiguity. Without the hyphen, “1980-1989” could be mistakenly read as “1980 to 19890”. The hyphen clearly separates the years into their respective centuries.

Within the Same Century: Usually No Hyphen Needed

When referring to years within the same century, hyphens are generally not needed.

Correct: 1980-1985, 2000-2007
Incorrect: 1980-1985 (with hyphen), 2000-2007 (with hyphen)

Exception: If the year range is part of a larger phrase acting as an adjective, a hyphen may be needed for clarity. For example: "The 1960-1970s economic boom" requires hyphens for grammatical correctness.

Hyphenation in Different Contexts

Let's examine how hyphenation applies in various writing scenarios:

Date Ranges in Text

When writing date ranges, the same principles apply. Hyphenate when spanning centuries.

Correct: The company operated from 1880-1905.
Incorrect: The company operated from 1880-1905 (without hyphen).

Decades

Decades are typically written with an apostrophe and "s," and are usually not hyphenated unless part of a compound adjective.

Correct: the 1980s, the 2000s
Correct (as a compound adjective): The 1920s-style flapper dress

Numbers Only: Hyphenate for Clarity

If you are writing numbers only and there is a possibility of misinterpretation then a hyphen is used for clarity:

19-25 (this is clearer than 1925)
1900-1905 (less ambiguity)

Style Guides and Consistency

While these are general guidelines, style guides can offer more specific instructions. Always adhere to the style guide relevant to your work (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Consistency is key within any single document. Pick a style and stick to it.

Conclusion

Understanding how to hyphenate years involves considering the context. Remember the primary rule: hyphenate when spanning centuries, typically omitting hyphens for ranges within the same century except in compound adjectives or when avoiding ambiguity. Consistency in your application will improve your writing's clarity and professional appearance. Always refer to a relevant style guide for definitive guidance.