LanguageTool Community
Imprint · Privacy Policy
<< return to list of rules

Rule "missing hyphen in 'off key'"

This is one of many errors that LanguageTool can detect.

Description: missing hyphen in 'off key'
Message: The adjective or adverb <suggestion>\1-\2</suggestion> (= out of tune) is spelled with a hyphen
Category: Grammar (ID: GRAMMAR)
Link: https://languagetool.org/insights/post/hyphen/#compound-adjectives-with-hyphens
Incorrect sentences
that this rule can detect:
  • Once every candle burned brightly, an off key chorus began to sing a song.
    Correction suggestion: off-key
  • He sang off key.
    Correction suggestion: off-key
Correct sentences
for comparison:
  • Now they must sell off key assets to stay afloat.
  • In 2008, Intel spun off key assets of a solar startup business effort to form an independent company.
  • The battery light and oil light normally stays on constantly with engine off key on.
ID: OFF_KEY_HYPHEN [1]
Version: 6.8-SNAPSHOT (2025-10-25 22:33:08 +0200)