Common Writing Errors: the Correct Use of Hyphens

The correct use of hyphens may confuse even the best writers, and is a common writing error that can be avoided with a few simple tips.

Adjectives are words that describe nouns. "Enumeration of adjectives" occurs when two or more adjectives are linked to form a compound adjective, to show they are part of the same adjective.
Examples:
white-tailed deer
snow-covered mountain
all-too-common mistakes
soon-to-be-forgotten experience

Check your grammar by placing the word "and" between the adjectives and see if the sentence still makes sense. If the sentence sounds awkward or loses its meaning, a hyphen should be used between the adjectives.

A common grammar mistake that even experienced writers make is to put a hyphen between an adverb and an adjective. The hyphen is not required in most cases, since the adverb is modifying the adjective instead of the noun. With adverbs that end in -ly, you are correct to leave out the hyphen.
Example: My sister has a beautifully decorated home.

However, the hyphen should be used to avoid ambiguous meaning when words that are both adjectives and adverbs (such as well, fast, best, most, and least) are used before the noun.
Example: I have a well-behaved dog.
This sentence implies that my dog knows how to mind his manners. To write "I have a well behaved dog" might imply that my dog is not ill and can behave.
Conversely, if the adverb/adjective combination comes after the noun, a hyphen is not used:
"My dog is well behaved."

Use a hyphen after the prefixes self-, all-, and ex-, between prefixes and proper names, and before -elect:
self-preservation
all-knowing
ex-husband
anti-American
president-elect

Use a hyphen to avoid a combination that may cause confusion: You may re-sign a petition but you resign from your job.

When using a prefix that ends with the same letter as the beginning of the next word, a hyphen can make the word appear less awkward:
The children's cartoon show was pre-empted by the President's speech.

When numbers are used as adjectives a hyphen should be placed after the number:
40-story building
three-lane highway
seven-course meal

Compound numbers and fractions that are written out in place of numerals should be hyphenated:
seventy-six trombones
eight-and-a-half miles

The writer may choose to use quotation marks instead of hyphens as a matter of style:
Joan gave Tom "come hither" looks from across the room.

One unfortunate trend is for writers to hyphenate entire phrases or even sentences to make their points. While artistic license may allow writers to bend the rules of good writing, overusing this technique is going to annoy your readers and gives you the appearance of an amateur!

The correct use of hyphens will make your writing flow more smoothly and make your meaning clear to your readers. Authorities don't always agree on the use of hyphens, but by following these tips you will be correct most of the time.