0

I have a feeling this question has already been asked, but couldn't find it by searching. I found people asking about hyphenation of multiple compound adjectives with a common second word, but I'm wondering about hyphenation of multiple compound adjectives with a common first word.

What is the correct way to hyphenate a phrase like this, assuming that "sometimes" is modifying both "unreliable" and "inadequate?":

sometimes unreliable and inadequate Internet service

Note that if style plays a role in your answer, I prefer American English and specifically Chicago style.

Nathan Arthur
  • 564

1 Answers1

1

You could certainly try the reverse of the use of same first-word compound adjectives (e.g., first- and second-generation immigrants) by doing this: sometimes-unreliable and -inadequate service. But that looks a bit odd and I would re-word if necessary.

KWinker
  • 1,869
  • 1
  • 9
  • 12
  • If there was only one compound in each case you'd hyphenate first-generation but not sometimes unreliable. This must be the main reason for the difference, surely? – BoldBen Oct 27 '16 at 08:54