The word “daughter-in-law” can indeed be hyphenated. It consists of two syllables: “daugh-ter” and “in-law.” The hyphen is used to connect these two words together, indicating that they are being used as a compound adjective to describe a specific type of relationship.
Hyphenation is commonly used in compound words or phrases to clarify their meaning and avoid confusion. In the case of “daughter-in-law,” the hyphen helps to indicate that the daughter being referred to is specifically the daughter of someone’s spouse, rather than their biological daughter.
Using hyphens correctly is important for maintaining clarity and ensuring that the intended meaning of a phrase is understood. In this case, hyphenating “daughter-in-law” helps to clarify the relationship being described and avoids potential misinterpretation.
It’s worth noting that not all compound words or phrases require hyphens. The decision to hyphenate depends on factors such as style guides, grammatical rules, and common usage. However, in the case of “daughter-in-law,” the hyphens are commonly used to connect the words and create a clear compound adjective.
To summarize, the word “daughter-in-law” does need hyphens. Hyphenation is used to connect the words “daughter” and “in-law” together, clarifying the specific relationship being described.