"ten-minute" vs "ten minute"

Question

"ten-minute" vs "ten minute"

Both "ten-minute" and "ten minute" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Ten-minute" is used as a compound adjective to describe a noun, while "ten minute" is used when the number and unit of time are separate. It's important to use the hyphen in "ten-minute" to show that the two words are working together as a single adjective.

Last Updated: March 30, 2024

Use "ten-minute" when you want to describe a noun with a specific time duration of ten minutes. The hyphen between "ten" and "minute" shows that they are working together as a single adjective.

Examples:

She took a ten-minute break.
The ten-minute presentation was concise and informative.
I need a ten-minute nap to recharge.
He set a ten-minute timer for the task.
The ten-minute walk to the store was refreshing.

Alternatives:

a ten-minute break
a ten-minute presentation
a ten-minute nap
a ten-minute timer
a ten-minute walk

Use "ten minute" when you want to express the quantity of ten minutes without combining the words into a compound adjective. This format is used when the number and unit of time are not modifying a noun together.

Answer 1

ten-minute

This is correct. It is used as a compound adjective to describe a noun.

Answer 2

ten minute

This is correct. It is used when the number and unit of time are separate.

"ten-minute" vs "ten minute"

ten-minute

ten minute

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