“Entry Level” Or “Entry-Level”? Learn If “Entry Level” Is Hyphenated

Hyphen rules in words like entry level or entry-level crop up a lot in English, and it’s good to understand them as early as you can. Once you know how one works, you know how they all work. So, is entry level hyphenated?

Entry Level Or Entry-Level – Hyphenated Or Not?

When we discuss the entry level hyphen rule, we make sure to hyphenate entry-level when we’re using it as an adjective to modify a noun or object in a sentence. We leave entry level unhyphenated when we’re using it as a phrase noun, and it isn’t modifying anything else in the sentence.

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Examples Of When To Use “Entry Level”

It’s one thing us telling you how it works, but it’s another showing you. Looking at entry level vs entry-level with examples is probably the most useful way to learn the difference. We typically use “entry level” as two words when it is a phrase noun and not modifying anything else in a sentence. However, many people use the hyphenated form as the English language evolves, and soon “entry level” won’t be an unhyphenated phrase.

  • The exam questions were entry level.
  • The job was looking at candidates at an entry level.
  • They wanted someone who was entry level.
  • The lowest level of qualification is entry level.
  • You must be qualified as entry level, surely?

Examples Of When To Use “Entry-Level”

Let’s see how the more commonly used hyphenated form “entry-level” is used. For the most part, we use this as an adjective to modify a noun or object in a clause. However, as we briefly stated above, this is becoming the more acceptable way to write the words no matter what situation you’re using them for. Over time that’s the cause of the English language; people start to phase certain words and phrases out.

  • I only have entry-level qualifications.
  • That’s an entry-level position.
  • We’re hiring for an entry-level job.
  • We accept entry-level candidates.
  • They’re entry-level students.

Is Entry Level Hyphenated AP Style?

Knowing whether it’s entry-level or entry level can be covered by the AP stylebook. We learn about hyphens in there, and it tells us everything we’ve already mentioned above. We hyphenate two or more words when they are closely linked and add meaning for the reader. These words are then used as adjectives to modify nouns in the sentence or clause.

Should I Capitalize “Level” In The Word “Entry-Level”?

Looking at titles adds a whole new story to the problems associated with hyphenation rules. Capitalization rules in titles vary based on the style you use. However, when you use a hyphenated word like “entry-level,” do you consider it as one word and only capitalize “entry” or two words and capitalize both? Well, let’s look at the three main styles to find out.

The first style capitalizes only the first word and any proper nouns in a title. In this case, we never capitalize “entry-level” unless we start the title with it. The second style capitalizes all words except for short prepositions, conjunctions, and articles. In this style, we’ll always capitalize “entry” but leave “level” uncapitalized.

The final style is where we capitalize all words in a title no matter what. In this case, we capitalize both words in “entry-level” and treat them as two separate words (even though the hyphen makes them part of the same word).

Alternatives To “Entry Level”

If you’re still confused about the entry level hyphen rule, there’s one last thing to try! Use an alternative from our list below. It’s a great way to get your meaning across without having to worry about potentially getting the rule wrong and someone correcting you.

  • Beginner
  • Amateur
  • Fresh
  • New
  • Unseasoned

Quiz – Entry Level Or Entry-Level?

This quick quiz is designed to test everything you’ve learned from this article. Read through each sentence carefully before answering and pay attention to the rules we’ve spoken about! We’ll include the answers at the end for you to reference as well.

  1. I’m an (A. entry level / B. entry-level) candidate.
  2. (A. entry level / B. entry-level) qualifications are expected for this role.
  3. We are only working at (A. entry level / B. entry-level).
  4. This school works with (A. entry level / B. entry-level) students.
  5. I can’t get past the (A. entry level / B. entry-level).

Quiz Answers

  1. B
  2. B
  3. A
  4. B
  5. A