OET Writing: Hyphenated Words

  OET Writing: Hyphenated Words


Precise and appropriate vocabulary usage is crucial in OET writing. Pay attention to hyphenated terms, especially when describing medical conditions, treatments, and patient care. 


1. Hyphenated Compounds:

A series of two or more words joined by hyphens is called a Hyphenated Compound.

In medical writing, you will come across various hyphenated terms. Here are some common examples:

* Post-operative: Referring to the period after surgery.

* Well-being: Describing a state of health and happiness.

* Patient-centered: Focusing on the patient's need.

* Health-related: Pertaining to matters related to health.

* Non-invasive: Not involving surgical procedures.

* Self-management: The ability of patients to manage their own health.

* Evidence-based: Grounded in scientific research and evidence.

* Pre-existing: Existing before a specific event or condition.

* Child-friendly: Suitable for children. 

* Time-consuming: Requiring a significant amount of time. 

* User-friendly: Easy to use for the intended audience.

* X-ray

* Follow-up


2. Plurals and Hyphenation:

* When a noun represents a quantity of more than one, we typically add an 's' at the end to indicate plurality.

For example, " three weeks", "four days", "five years".

* However, some words are used in their hyphenated form. Once hyphenated, we drop the 's', regardless of the quantity.

For example, a "three-week course", " a five -day program", " a two-year trip".


3. Open Compound Words:

They are words consist of two or more words written as separate entities with a space between them. The meaning of the compound is derived from the combination of these words. 

For example,

* Dining room: A room where meals are eaten.

* Living room: A common area in a house for relaxation.

* Coffee table: A low table placed in front of a sofa.

* Jogging pants: Comfortable pants suitable for jogging.

* High school: An educational institution for older students.

* Ice cream: A frozen dessert made from dairy products.


4. Closed Compound Words:

They are words formed by joining two or more words together without spaces or punctuation. Over the time, these words are accepted as a single word.

For example: 

* Notebook: A small book for writing or taking notes.

* Makeup: Cosmetics applied to enhance appearance. 


5. Hyphen Usage in Medical Terminology:

Hyphens play an essential role in medical writing, especially when forming compound words or clarifying relationships between terms. 

* Compound Adjectives: Use hyphens for compound adjectives that modify nouns. This ensures clarity.

For example,

Correct: A cost-effective treatment.

Wrong: The treatment was cost effective. 

* Common Compound Words:

Some compound words are widely used and they do not need hyphens. 

Examples:

"Healthcare", 

"Childcare",

"Crossover",

"Baseline",

"Breastfeeding",

"Birthweight".







_________________________________________

Should you have any queries, please contact
Dr Vijay C Nair

WhatsApp no: 7356 85 8467.

e- mail: vijaycnair2512@gmail.com



______________ The END _______________



































































































Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

IELTS Writing task 2- ESSAY WEEK

  Task 2 Essay Week Sample Essay 1.Agree/Disagree You have 40 minutes answer. Write at least 250 words. Society would benefit from a ban on all forms of advertising because it serves no useful purpose, and can even be dangerous.   To what extent do you agree or disagree? Answer. Thanks to the exponential growth of science and technology, advertising has become ubiquitous; however, it is often argued that it should be banned because adverts  are futile and hazardous. (Paraphrase) . In this essay, I totally disagree with the notion and validate my opinion that despite a few minor demerits, advertising is not only beneficial but also inevitable. (Thesis). To embark on , there are multiple ways how advertising plays a crucial role in the society and why it cannot be ignored. {Argument]   Firstly, it is a major industry offering employment opportunities to hundreds of thousands of people both directly and indirectly. Secondly, the very existence and thriving of  bu...
Read more

Vocabulary for this Week - 2

  Vocabulary for this Week - 2 [When preparing for OET Reading, it's essential to expand your vocabulary beyond medical terms. Here are some useful vocabulary words and phrases that can help you tackle unfamiliar expressions and improve your reading comprehension.] 11. To conduct a medical trial: To take or carry out a a task. Example: In the research Institute, they are planning 'to conduct a medical trial to evaluate the efficacy of new drug for treating hypertension.  12. To stiffen: To become firm or rigid. Example: The tailor used starch to stiffen the collar of her shirt. 13: Ambulate: To walk or move around. Example: The patient needs to ambulate in order to regain strength. 14. Landmark study: A significant and influential research study. Example: A recent landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has revolutionized  our understanding of diabetes management. 15. Findings: The results or conclusions of a study. Example: Based on the diagnostic...
Read more

Task 2, Advantage /Disadvantage, Model Answer

  IELTS Task 2 Advantage/Disadvantage.  Model Answer. In some countries, children are often told that  they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of  giving such a message?  Structure Para graph 1. Introduction. * Paraphrase the general statement. * Thesis statement. [In this essay I will dwell on the advantages of it including ...... and ........ and disadvantages such as ....... and ........ . In my opinion even though there are a few minor demerits, the merits are more.] Paragraph 2. Body para 1. * To embark on, ..... (state two advantages). * Explain each in a sentence. * Give an example for any one. * Conclude BP1 Paragraph 3. Body para 2 * On the flip side, this problem is not without any demerits. (give 2 demerits)  * Explain each in a sentence. * Give an examp;e for any one. * Conclude BP 2 Paragraph 4. Conclusion.   *To conclude, ....... (re-phrase the paraphrase of introduction.) * Rephra...
Read more