Part time And Part-time|Definition & Meaning

We’ve probably all asked the question before: Is “part time” hyphenated? Well, we’re here to look at the answer and understand when you might use the phrase with and without a hyphen. So, let’s dive into the comparison of part time vs part-time and see which one is more “correct.”

Part Time Or Part-Time – Hyphenated Or Not?

“Part-time” is hyphenated when referring to something that is done for less than the full amount of time at a particular job or activity. This is the most common way to write “part-time,” although you may occasionally see it without the hyphen. You use “part time” when the phrase is modifying the subject of the sentence, which we’ll explain more clearly later.

Is “Part Time” Hyphenated in AP Style?

When we talk about the part-time hyphen rule, it is most common to hyphenate “part-time” following AP style guidelines. For those unfamiliar, AP style recommends that hyphens act as joiners, connecting two related words to help the reader comprehend the meaning more easily. In this case, “part” and “time” are connected to modify a noun together. When we see the words combined, they signify that someone is involved in an activity for less than the full amount of time.

Should I Capitalize “Time” In “Part-Time”?

When writing “part-time” in a title, it’s crucial to know how to capitalize it correctly. Luckily, the answer is not as complicated as it might seem. It mostly depends on your writing style and what you are comfortable with. There are three major capitalization styles to consider, each affecting whether or not you capitalize the “time” in “part-time.”

Sentence Style:

 This style capitalizes the first word and any proper nouns, leaving both “part” and “time” in lowercase.

Examples

• Part-time jobs are becoming more common in today’s economy.
• I worked as a part-time assistant at the library.
• She decided to take a part-time position while finishing her degree.
• His part-time schedule allows him more flexibility.
• We hired a part-time contractor to help with the project.
• A part-time job is perfect for students with busy schedules.
• She balances two part-time roles to make ends meet.
• He applied for a part-time teaching position at the college.
• The company offers part-time benefits to all employees.
• My part-time work involves freelance writing.
• They need more part-time staff for the holiday season.
• I found a part-time gig that fits my lifestyle.
• Her part-time hours were reduced last month.
• The part-time shift starts at 9 a.m. and ends at noon.
• He enjoys the flexibility of his part-time arrangement.
  

Title Case:

 This style capitalizes all major words except for articles, short conjunctions, and prepositions. In this case, “part” would be capitalized, but “time” would remain in lowercase.

Examples

• He Applied for a Part-time Job at the Local Store.
• She Works a Part-time Schedule to Care for Her Family.
• The Part-time Employee Was Offered Full Benefits.
• I Found a Part-time Position That Suits My Lifestyle.
• The Company Is Hiring More Part-time Workers This Year.
• He Enjoys the Flexibility of His Part-time Role.
• She Balances Her Full-time Studies with a Part-time Job.
• They Hired a Part-time Assistant to Manage the Office.
• His Part-time Job Allows Him to Focus on His Hobbies.
• The Part-time Position Became Permanent After Six Months.
• We Have Several Part-time Openings Available.
• She Was Promoted From a Part-time Role to a Full-time One.
• The Company Offers Flexible Hours for Part-time Employees.
• He Has Been Working Part-time for the Last Three Years.
• The Part-time Shift Ended Earlier Than Expected.

In Title Case, major words are capitalized, while shorter

All Caps:

 This style capitalizes every word in the title. Although it is less common, some writers prefer this option if they feel it looks more formal or impactful.

Examples

• HE APPLIED FOR A PART-TIME JOB AT THE LOCAL STORE.
• SHE WORKS A PART-TIME SCHEDULE TO CARE FOR HER FAMILY.
• THE PART-TIME EMPLOYEE WAS OFFERED FULL BENEFITS.
• I FOUND A PART-TIME POSITION THAT SUITS MY LIFESTYLE.
• THE COMPANY IS HIRING MORE PART-TIME WORKERS THIS YEAR.
• HE ENJOYS THE FLEXIBILITY OF HIS PART-TIME ROLE.
• SHE BALANCES HER FULL-TIME STUDIES WITH A PART-TIME JOB.
• THEY HIRED A PART-TIME ASSISTANT TO MANAGE THE OFFICE.
• HIS PART-TIME JOB ALLOWS HIM TO FOCUS ON HIS HOBBIES.
• THE PART-TIME POSITION BECAME PERMANENT AFTER SIX MONTHS.
• WE HAVE SEVERAL PART-TIME OPENINGS AVAILABLE.
• SHE WAS PROMOTED FROM A PART-TIME ROLE TO A FULL-TIME ONE.
• THE COMPANY OFFERS FLEXIBLE HOURS FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.
• HE HAS BEEN WORKING PART-TIME FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.
• THE PART-TIME SHIFT ENDED EARLIER THAN EXPECTED.

Examples Of When To Use “Part Time”

While we’ve focused on hyphenating “part-time,” there are instances where it’s written as “part time” without the hyphen. Let’s go over some examples to show when this form is used and why it works.

• His job is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• She works part time. Again, there is no noun to modify in this sentence, so no hyphen is needed.
• This is part time. Here too, we don’t hyphenate since “time” acts as the noun, and “part” modifies it.
• Her work is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• My role is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• His schedule is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• Their arrangement is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• The contract is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• Her position is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• The internship is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• His employment status is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• She works part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• The opportunity is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• Their job offers part time hours. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• Her work arrangement is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• The position offered is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• His involvement is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• Her current job is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• The employment is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.
• His commitment is part time. In this case, “part time” is not hyphenated because it is not modifying a noun directly.

In these sentences, “time” serves as the noun, with “part” functioning as the adjective to modify “time.” Since there is no additional noun being modified, hyphenation is unnecessary.

Examples Of When To Use “Part-Time”

Now, let’s look at the more common version, “part-time” with a hyphen. This form is used when it’s modifying a noun in the sentence. Typically, “part-time” is used in the middle of a sentence rather than at the end. Here are some examples to clarify:

• He works a part-time job. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “job.”)
• She’s the only part-time employee in the building. (In this sentence, “part-time” modifies “employee.”)
• We go there on a part-time basis. (Here, “part-time” modifies “basis.”)
• She has a part-time job. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “job.”)
• They need a part-time assistant. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “assistant.”)
• He is looking for a part-time position. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “position.”)
• The company offers part-time work. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “work.”)
• She accepted a part-time role. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “role.”)
• He applied for a part-time contract. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “contract.”)
• They posted a part-time vacancy. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “vacancy.”)
• Her job is a part-time position. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “position.”)
• The part-time schedule suits her well. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “schedule.”)
• We are hiring part-time workers. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “workers.”)
• He found a part-time job opportunity. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “opportunity.”)
• She enjoys her part-time employment. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “employment.”)
• The position is for a part-time employee. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “employee.”)
• He works on a part-time basis. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “basis.”)
• She needs a part-time job to complement her studies. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “job.”)
• They offer a part-time internship. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “internship.”)
• The role includes part-time hours. (Here, “part-time” modifies the noun “hours.”)

In each of these examples, “part-time” appears in the middle of the clause, modifying a noun directly. This is the standard rule for hyphenating compound adjectives.

Alternatives To “Part-Time”

If you want to mix things up and avoid repeating “part-time” too often, here are some alternative terms you could use in different contexts:

• Half-time
• Irregular
• Temporary
• Underemployed

Quiz – Part-Time or Part Time?

Let’s wrap things up with a quick quiz to test what we’ve learned.

• We were working there (A. part time / B. part-time).
• She was fired from her (A. part time / B. part-time) job.
• He works on a (A. part time / B. part-time) basis.
• The contract states that it is (A. part time / B. part-time).
• I only have a (A. part time / B. part-time) contract.

Quiz Answers:

• A
• B
• B
• A
• B

FAQs

What is the difference between “part time” and “part-time”?

“Part time” is used without a hyphen when it describes a schedule or status in a sentence. For example, “Her job is part time.” On the other hand, “part-time” is hyphenated when it directly modifies a noun, like in “He works a part-time job.” The hyphen connects “part” and “time” to show they work together as a single idea.

When should I use “part-time” in a sentence?

Use “part-time” with a hyphen when it modifies a noun. For instance, “She has a part-time job.” Here, “part-time” describes the type of job. If “part-time” is describing something without modifying a noun directly, you should use “part time” without a hyphen.

Is “part-time” capitalized in titles?

In titles, “part-time” can be capitalized based on the style used. In Title Case, you capitalize “Part” but leave “time” in lowercase. In All Caps, both words “PART” and “TIME” are capitalized. It depends on the title style you are following.

Why is “part time” not hyphenated in some sentences?

“Part time” is not hyphenated when it is used as a predicate adjective or adverbial phrase that describes the nature of something rather than directly modifying a noun. For example, “His work is part time.” Here, “part time” explains the type of work but does not modify a specific noun directly.

How do I know when to hyphenate “part-time”?

You should hyphenate “part-time” when it is used to directly modify a noun. For example, “She has a part-time job.” The hyphen connects “part” and “time” to show that they work together to describe the job. If “part time” is used on its own or not directly modifying a noun, you don’t need the hyphen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding when to use “part time” versus “part-time” is essential for clear and effective communication. “Part-time” with a hyphen is used when it directly modifies a noun, providing specific information about the nature of the job or schedule. On the other hand, “part time” without a hyphen is used when it functions as a predicate adjective or is not modifying a noun directly. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your writing is both accurate and easy to understand.