Grammar Worksheet · Grades 4–6
Hyphens Worksheet
A printable grammar worksheet for grades 4-6 on hyphens: the small dash that joins words, used in compound numbers and in compound adjectives before a noun. Students decide whether eight phrases need a hyphen, then answer four questions. A complete answer key is included.
Subject
Grammar
Grades
Grades 4–6
Skill Focus
Hyphens, punctuation
Lesson Length
15 minutes
Lesson Overview
About this worksheet
A hyphen is a short dash that joins words or word parts so they work as one. It is used in compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine and in a compound adjective that comes before a noun, such as a long-term plan. This worksheet helps students apply these rules and avoid adding hyphens where they are not needed.
Section A gives eight phrases shown without hyphens (twenty one students; a red car) and asks students to write yes or no for whether each needs a hyphen. The reference box teaches the rules with thirty-five, a long-term plan, and a six-foot fence, phrases not reused in the items.
Section B asks students to name a job a hyphen does, identify which numbers are hyphenated, add hyphens to a phrase, and explain why ‘well-known’ is hyphenated before a noun. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill builds toward correct punctuation.
How to Use This Lesson
Read the reference box aloud and contrast a compound adjective before vs after the noun.
Complete Section A independently – have students ask whether the words act as one before a noun.
Work Section B item 11 together: add the hyphens to ‘a five year old child’.
Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.
Pair with the Colons and Semicolons Worksheet or the Apostrophes Worksheet for a punctuation mini-unit.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages · Answer Key
Hyphens Worksheet
A printable grammar worksheet for grades 4-6 on hyphens: the small dash that joins words, used in compound numbers and in compound adjectives before a noun. Students decide whether eight phrases need a hyphen, then answer four questions. A complete answer key is included.
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