Hyphens

Hyphens—not to be confused with dashes—are a part of some compound words. This is the universally accepted use of the hyphen.

Well-versed

Cross-eyed

Mother-in-law

Full-time

Note: Whether a compound word has a space, a hyphen, or neither depends on common usage and how long the compound word has been in use. To decide whether or not to use a hyphen, consult your preferred dictionary, even for the examples above.

Various Rules Governing Hyphens with Modifiers

The MLA Style Manual and The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage specify that a hyphen does not link an adverb ending in -ly with a modifier.

See Examples

The AP Stylebook, the Publication Manual of the APA, The Chicago Manual of Style, the MLA Style Manual, and The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage specify omitting the hyphen in a modifier when it comes after the noun.

See Examples

Note: The AP Stylebook excepts this rule when the modifier follows a form of “to be.”

See Example

The Chicago Manual of Style and The New York Times Manual of Style and Usage specify that if the meaning is clear, a hyphen does not link a compound modifier.

See Examples