1. dillseed

    dillseed Active Member

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    'spot on' and 'on point'

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by dillseed, May 21, 2014.

    Should we hyphenate 'spot on' and 'on point' after a to-be verb? Do you agree with the hyphens below?

    His performance was spot-on.

    His performance was on-point.


    Thank you.
     
  2. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

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    I don't agree. If, on the other hand, those phrases were used before the noun (i.e., "spot-on performance"), then I would use hyphens.
     
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  3. dillseed

    dillseed Active Member

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    Thanks, thirdwind. :)
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    yes... that!

    as i mentioned in an earlier thread [of yours, i think], when a series of words are used together as an adjective, they're hyphenated...
     
  5. dillseed

    dillseed Active Member

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    So write 'em like this, then:

    His performance was spot on.

    His performance was on point.
     
  6. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

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    Yes, those I agree with.
     
  7. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    yes...
     
  8. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Total side note: In my younger years I can remember 'spot on' being wholly a Briticism. Interesting to see how it has caught on in the U.S. in the last few years. I hear it all the time now on television from Americans of a wide range of backgrounds. It has taken root. ;)
     
  9. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    same here!
     

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