When a single adjective
comprises more than one word (as in three-page document), it is
known as a compound adjective). The words in a compound adjective should be linked with a
hyphen (or hyphens) to show that they are part of the same adjective.
one-way street
The adjective "one-way" is a single adjective made up of two words.
one way street
The words "one" and "way" are not separate
adjectives in this example; therefore, "one-way" must include a hyphen to show it is one adjective. Try them as separate adjectives:
"one street" - wrong meaning "way street" - nonsense
When a single adjective comprises more than one word, the words should be joined using a hyphen (or
hyphens). (An adjective made up of more than one word is known as a
compound adjective.)
125-pound ticket
The adjective "125-pound" is a single adjective made up of two elements.
125 pound ticket
"125" and "pound" are not separate
adjectives in this example; therefore, "125-pound" must include a hyphen to show it is a single adjective. Try them
as separate adjectives: "125 ticket" - nonsense "pound ticket" - wrong meaning
When adjectives sit comfortably
by themselves (i.e. can be used independently), they are not joined by a hyphen.
large proud rooster
("large rooster" - correct) ("proud rooster" - correct) These are independent adjectives - no
hyphen required.
large-proud rooster
When a single adjective comprises more than one word, the words should be joined using a hyphen (or
hyphens). (An adjective made up of more than one word is known as a
compound adjective.)
25-storey building
The adjective "25-storey" is a single adjective made up of two elements.
25 storey building
"25" and "storey" are not separate
adjectives in this example; therefore, "25-storey" must include a hyphen to show it is a single adjective. Try them as separate
adjectives: "25 building" - nonsense "storey building" - nonsense
When adjectives sit comfortably
by themselves (i.e. can be used independently), they are not joined by a hyphen.
5 adult sheep
("5 sheep" - correct) ("adult sheep" - correct) These are independent adjectives - no
hyphen required.
5-adult sheep
When a single adjective comprises more than one word, the words should be joined using a hyphen (or
hyphens). (An adjective made up of more than one word is known as a
compound adjective.)
2-year ban
The adjective "2-year" is a single adjective made up of two elements.
2 year ban
("2 ban" - nonsense) ("year ban" - wrong meaning) "2" and "ban" are not separate
adjectives in this example; therefore, "2-year" must include a hyphen to show it is a single adjective.
When adjectives sit comfortably
by themselves (i.e. can be used independently), they are not joined by a hyphen.
expensive oak table
("expensive table" - correct) ("oak" - correct) These are independent adjectives - no
hyphen required.
expensive-oak table
When a single adjective comprises more than one word, the words should be joined using a hyphen (or
hyphens). (An adjective made up of more than one word is known as a
compound adjective.)
up-to-date version
The adjective " up-to-date" is a single adjective made up of three words.
up to date version
("up version" - nonsense) ("to version" - nonsense) ("date version" - nonsense)
The words "up", "to" and "date" are not separate
adjectives in this example; therefore, "up-to-date" must include hyphens to show it is a single adjective.
Les Miserables tickets
The title "Les Miserables" is a single adjective made up of two words. It has been grouped together using title case (i.e. capital letters). Note that the word "tickets" does not have a capital letter.
Les-Miserables tickets
The adjective "Les Miserables" has been grouped using title case; therefore, a hyphen is not necessary.
When an adverb is used before an adjective, only use a hyphen to avoid ambiguity.
well-known actor
"Well" is an adverb. In this example, it has a similar meaning to "widely". However, "well" can also be an adjective with a meaning similar to "healthy". Therefore, to make it absolutely
clear that "well" and "known" are not two independent adjectives, a hyphen is used.
well known actor
This is not wrong, but it is (very slightly) ambigious.
When names or titles are prefixed, the prefix is usually
written with a lowercase letter and a hyphen.
ex-President Jones
Ex-President Jones
This would be okay at the start of a sentence.
A noun that comprises more than one word (e.g. cooking-oil) is called a
compound noun. In order to
eliminate ambiguity, there is sometimes a requirement
to use a hyphen in a compound noun. (Is "cooking oil" oil that is cooking
or oil for cooking?)
ice-axe
The hyphen is added to make it clear that the axe is not made of ice.
ice axe
This is not wrong, but it is ambigious.
iceaxe
This is a spelling mistake. Note: Unfortunately, there are no rules governing when a hyphen should be used; "ink well", "ink-well" and "inkwell" are all acceptable. Use a hyphen to eliminate ambiguity.
