What is the function of a hyphen in writing?

The function of a hyphen in writing primarily involves combining fragments of a compound word or indicating a word break. Hyphens are used to create compound adjectives, such as "well-known" or "mother-in-law," ensuring clarity and proper meaning in phrases. Additionally, they may be utilized to prevent confusion in compound words at the end of a line by indicating that a word continues on the next line. This enables smoother reading and comprehension by maintaining the integrity of the word or phrase.

The other options reflect different functions in writing. For instance, connecting two clauses typically requires a conjunction or punctuation such as a comma or semicolon, while separating items in a list is usually done through commas or semicolons rather than hyphens. Emphasizing a point is usually achieved through other means, such as italics or bolded text. Understanding these distinctions highlights the specific role and importance of the hyphen in written communication.