Compound Adjectives: When to Hyphenate

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Compound Adjectives: To Hyphenate or Not to Hyphenate, That Is the Question!


Ah, the compound adjective. hifence . managed it security services provider That little linguistic construction that can either add clarity and precision to your writing or, if mishandled, introduce a moment of head-scratching confusion for your reader. Knowing when to hyphenate these descriptive powerhouses is a skill every writer should cultivate.

Compound Adjectives: When to Hyphenate - managed services new york city

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So, lets dive in, shall we?


The core rule is this: Hyphenate compound adjectives before the noun they modify. Think of it as a way to glue the words together, showing that they function as a single unit describing the noun. managed service new york For example, "a well-known author" is correct because "well-known" acts as one adjective describing "author." Similarly, "a state-of-the-art facility" or "a long-term investment" benefit from the hyphens clarifying touch. Without the hyphen, you could potentially read "well known author" as an author who is known to a high degree, rather than someone famous.


However, and this is crucial, when the compound adjective follows the noun, you generally dont need the hyphen. The relationship between the words is clearer, and ambiguity is less likely. So, you would write "The author is well known" or "The investment is long term." managed services new york city See the difference? The noun is already established, and the words are simply describing its state or quality.


There are, of course, exceptions (isnt there always?). check One common exception involves adverbs ending in "-ly." These almost never require a hyphen, even before the noun.

Compound Adjectives: When to Hyphenate - check

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"A highly effective strategy" is preferred over "a highly-effective strategy."

Compound Adjectives: When to Hyphenate - managed services new york city

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check The "-ly" already signals that "highly" is modifying "effective," so the hyphen is redundant.


Another point to consider is clarity. Sometimes, even if the rule suggests no hyphen, adding one can improve readability, especially with longer or more complex phrases. If you think a hyphen will prevent misreading, err on the side of using it. For instance, while technically "small business owner" is often written without a hyphen, "small-business owner" might be clearer, especially if youre dealing with a dense paragraph.


And finally, be aware of established usage. Some compound adjectives have become so common that they are generally written as single words, like "highschool" or "database." Others have become accepted as hyphenated, like "user-friendly." A quick check in a dictionary or style guide can help you determine the most appropriate form.


In short, remember the pre-noun hyphen, avoid hyphens with "-ly" adverbs, prioritize clarity, and consult reliable resources when in doubt. Mastering the art of the compound adjective (and knowing when to hyphenate!) will undoubtedly elevate the precision and professionalism of your writing. Good luck!

Compound Adjectives: When to Hyphenate