Which is correct to write, less-than-lethal ot less than lethal. I keep finding both, so I don't know which is right? Thanks
It depends on how it's used in a sentence.
The poison was given in less-than-lethal doses.
(In that case, the phrase is being used as ONE adjective, directly modifying "doses.")
The poison was less than lethal.
(In that sentence, it's not directly modifying anything.)
=)
When it comes to compound adjectives like "less-than-lethal" or "less than lethal," it can be a bit confusing. The general rule in English is to hyphenate compound adjectives before the noun they modify, so "less-than-lethal" would be the correct choice in this case.
To verify this, you can consult a reputable style guide, such as The Chicago Manual of Style or the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. These style guides provide guidelines for consistent usage in writing and can help clarify any confusion you may have about specific grammar rules or punctuation usage.
If you're writing for a specific publication or organization, it's always a good idea to refer to their in-house style guide, as they may have their own specific rules or preferences regarding compound adjectives.
In case you don't have access to any style guide, the general preference is to use the hyphen when the compound adjective appears before the noun it modifies. However, if the compound adjective follows the noun, the hyphen is generally not necessary.
For example:
- "The officer used less-than-lethal force." (before the noun)
- "The force used by the officer was less than lethal." (after the noun)
Keep in mind that language is continually evolving, and there may be some variation in usage across different sources. The ultimate goal is to ensure clarity and consistency in your writing, so consulting a reliable style guide or adhering to a specific publication's guidelines is always recommended.