Should Fractions Be Hyphenated?

Fractions are written out in words. They are hyphenated only when they come right in front of a noun, called a “direct” adjective.

Should fractions be spelled out?

Rule: Always spell out simple fractions and use hyphens with them. Example: One-half of the pies have been eaten. Rule: A mixed fraction can be expressed in figures unless it is the first word of a sentence.

Should one quarter be hyphenated?

Fractions are almost always hyphenated when they are adjectives: “He is one-quarter Irish and three-quarters Nigerian.” But when the numerator is already hyphenated, the fraction itself is not, as in “ninety-nine and forty-four one hundredths.” Fractions treated as nouns are not hyphenated: “He ate one quarter of the ...