Avoid hyphen-related trouble

Ever wondered whether or not you should use a hyphen between two words? If you have, you’re probably thinking about using a ‘compound adjective’.

An adjective is a word that describes a noun. A compound adjective is simply two or more words working together as an adjective.

For example, you could write ‘My landlord is a horrible man’ – using the adjective horrible to describe the landlord. Then again, what you might really mean is ‘My landlord is a short-tempered, penny-pinching, rule-bending fool.*’ These ‘compound’ adjectives are groups of words used together to describe the landlord.

(*But maybe think twice about actually saying it?)

Still not quite sure? Here are some easy-to-follow rules.

1. Always before a noun

In most cases, you need a hyphen if the compound adjective is directly in front of the thing it’s describing:

• I wanted a cost-effective solution.
• I needed my most up-to-date bank statements.

2. …but never alone

However, you don’t use a hyphen when your compound adjective stands alone or after the noun:

• The problem with the cost-effective solution was that it wasn’t cost effective.
• My most up-to-date bank statements were no longer up to date.

3. Always for words ending -ing

If your compound adjective features a word ending -ing then you definitely need a hyphen:

• The heart-warming aroma of baking bread filled the air.
• She got her revenge on the penny-pinching landlord.

4. Never for words ending in –ly

If the first word ends in –ly, then you’ve got it easy. You don’t have to do anything at all:

• See our web page for more frequently asked questions.
• It was the end of another wonderfully informative Trade Secret.