“Middle class” or “Middle-class”|If “Middle class” is hyphenated

The hyphenation rules in the English language can be tricky to grasp. Luckily, we’re here to help! Today, we’re addressing the question: Is “middle class” hyphenated? And if so, when do you use middle-class versus middle class? Surely, in some cases, you’d use one over the other, right? Let’s break it down.

Middle Class or Middle-Class – Hyphenated or Not?

We hyphenate middle-class when the two words are joined together to modify a noun. If a noun comes directly after the word, we will use “middle-class.” However, the words are kept separate when we’re using them at the end of a sentence or clause. In this case, it doesn’t modify a noun, so the hyphen isn’t needed.

Examples of When to Use “Middle Class” Without the Hyphen

Now is a good time to look through a few examples to see when we don’t hyphenate “middle class.” Since we’re not modifying any nouns, you’ll mostly see the phrase “middle class” at the end of a sentence or clause. There are, however, a few exceptions where it might be used at the start.

• The middle class is shrinking in many countries.
• We are proud to be part of the middle class.
• The middle class often faces financial difficulties.
• He worked his way up from the middle class.
• The government should focus more on the middle class.
• Most of the middle class supports tax cuts.
• The gap between the rich and the middle class is growing.
• They were raised in a typical middle class household.
• She aspires to join the middle class.
• The values of the middle class shape the culture.
• It’s harder for the middle class to buy homes these days.
• The middle class plays a crucial role in the economy.
• Education is a priority for the middle class.
• Healthcare costs are overwhelming the middle class.
• The rise of technology has benefited the middle class.
• They identify themselves as part of the middle class.
• Policies should be designed to help the middle class.
• The middle class needs more opportunities for growth.
• The lifestyle of the middle class has changed dramatically.
• She grew up in the middle class, but now she’s wealthy.
• The middle class struggles with debt.
• The future of the middle class looks uncertain.
• The middle class has been hit hardest by inflation.
• The middle class was once the backbone of the nation.
• Support for the middle class is vital for economic stability.
• Many politicians focus on the concerns of the middle class.
• It’s difficult for the middle class to save for retirement.
• The middle class values education and hard work.
• Social mobility is declining for the middle class.
• The middle class feels left behind in today’s economy.

In these examples, we’re referring to the middle class as a group or entity, but not modifying a specific noun directly following the phrase.

Examples of When to Use “Middle-Class” With the Hyphen

That pretty much sums up what happens without the hyphen, but what about when we do have a hyphen? Well, we’re now going to see how the adjective form “middle-class” is used to modify nouns in each of these examples.

• They live in a middle-class neighborhood.
• The middle-class lifestyle is becoming more expensive.
• He comes from a middle-class family.
• This is a typical middle-class problem.
• We met a group of middle-class students.
• The middle-class workers are protesting.
• She wants a middle-class home in the suburbs.
• A middle-class upbringing gave him many opportunities.
• The middle-class vote is crucial in elections.
• They share middle-class values.
• This middle-class suburb is very quiet.
• The middle-class people here are concerned about taxes.
• A middle-class household typically has two incomes.
• The middle-class parents invest in their children’s education.
• Many middle-class families are struggling with debt.
• A middle-class background helped shape his worldview.
• Middle-class Americans are worried about healthcare costs.
• The middle-class community is thriving in this town.
• This is a middle-class issue that needs attention.
• A middle-class mindset can influence financial decisions.
• The middle-class professionals are facing layoffs.
• Middle-class neighborhoods are seeing rising property values.
• The middle-class housing market is competitive.
• The government’s new policies aim to support middle-class families.
• Middle-class workers often feel neglected by politicians.
• The middle-class kids attend private schools.
• This is a middle-class concern that many share.
• The economy is built on middle-class spending.
• A middle-class family vacation looks different today.
• They are offering programs to help middle-class homeowners.

Here, you can see that middle-class is modifying the nouns that come after it (people, problem, students, home, system), which is why the hyphen is necessary. The hyphen joins the words to make them work together as an adjective.

Is “Middle Class” Hyphenated in AP Style?

According to AP Style rules, hyphens are considered “joiners.” They join two closely linked words to portray a clear meaning to the reader. If two words are used to modify a noun, like middle-class does, the hyphen is necessary. However, if the words aren’t modifying anything directly, then “middle” would be the adjective, and “class” would be the modified noun, and no hyphen is needed.

Should I Capitalize “Class” in “Middle-Class”?

Title capitalization rules can be tricky to wrap your head around. There are three main ways to capitalize, and each one depends on the required style and your personal preferences. At first glance, hyphens seem to make capitalization even harder, but it’s not too bad once you understand the rules. As long as you know which rule you’re following, you should be able to figure out the capitalization easily.

1. The first style is to capitalize the first word and proper nouns only. In this case, neither “middle” nor “class” would be capitalized in a title (unless “middle” appears as the first word).
2. The second style capitalizes every word in the title except for articles and short words (prepositions and conjunctions). In this style, “middle” is capitalized, but “class” is not.
3. The third style is to capitalize every word in the title. This is seen as the more informal choice of the three, so both “middle” and “class” would be capitalized in this case.

Alternatives to “Middle Class”

If you’re still not quite sure about when to hyphenate middle class, don’t worry! There are plenty of alternative words out there that you can use instead. Below are some of the best alternatives you can choose from:

• Bourgeois
• Plain folks
• Ordinary
• Proletariat
• Humble

Each of these alternatives has its own nuances, so pick the one that best fits the context you’re writing about.

Quiz – Middle Class or Middle-Class?

Now that we’ve covered the rules for when to hyphenate middle class, it’s time for a quick quiz! Test yourself on whether it’s middle class or middle-class, and check your answers at the end. We’re sure you’ll ace it after all this practice!

• We are part of the (A. middle class / B. middle-class).
• This is a (A. middle class / B. middle-class) problem.
• The (A. middle class / B. middle-class) don’t have the same issues.
• The (A. middle class / B. middle-class) system makes do with these changes.
• These are (A. middle class / B. middle-class) people.

Quiz Answers:

• A
• B
• A
• B
• B

FAQs

Is “middle class” hyphenated?

We hyphenate “middle-class” when it’s used as an adjective to describe a noun. For example, in “middle-class families,” the words are connected to modify the noun “families.” But when it’s used alone or not directly describing a noun, it stays unhyphenated.

When do you use “middle-class” with a hyphen?

Use “middle-class” when it describes a noun directly, like in “middle-class community.” The hyphen connects the two words to show they are working together to describe the noun. Without a noun, no hyphen is needed.

When do you use “middle class” without the hyphen?

We use “middle class” without the hyphen when it’s not describing a specific noun. For example, in “I belong to the middle class,” it stands alone. There’s no need for the hyphen here.

How do AP Style rules affect hyphenation of “middle class”?

In AP Style, hyphens are used to join words that modify a noun together, like in “middle-class citizens.” If the phrase isn’t directly modifying a noun, we don’t use the hyphen.

Should “class” be capitalized in “middle class”?

The capitalization of “class” depends on the style you’re following. In titles, “middle” might be capitalized, but “class” often stays lowercase unless you’re using a style that capitalizes every word.

Final tips

In conclusion, understanding when to use “middle class” and “middle-class” is important for clear writing. Remember to use “middle-class” with a hyphen when it’s acting as an adjective modifying a noun, and “middle class” without a hyphen when it’s used alone or at the end of a sentence. By applying these simple rules, your writing will be more accurate and professional. Keep practicing to master the use of hyphenation!