What are the most common hyphenation rules?

Hyphens might be small, but they pack a big punch in clear, polished writing. They are generally used to clarify meaning, connect words, and smooth awkward letter combinations.

Hyphenation rules can be complex, and there are many examples beyond what’s covered here. It’s always wise to consult a dictionary for any exceptions to the rules. Luckily, the Chicago Manual of Style (American English) provides a helpful, easy-to-use hyphenation table for reference, with hyphenation rules organized into categories such as colors, age terms, compass points/directions, noun + noun, noun + numeral, and more.

The New Hart’s Rules (Oxford Style Guide for British English) covers hyphenation in Section 3.3.

Here’s a guide to the most common hyphenation rules.

Compound adjectives before a noun

Use a hyphen when two or more words work together to describe a noun (a compound adjective).

Example:

·      She is a well-known author.

No hyphen is needed if the compound adjective comes after the noun.

Example:

·      The author is well known.

However, when a compound adjective starts with an adverb ending in “-ly,” no hyphen is needed.

Example:

·      She is a highly regarded author.

Prefixes and suffixes

Hyphens are generally not used with prefixes or suffixes, except in certain cases where leaving out the hyphen would change the word’s meaning or cause it to be misread.

Example 1:

re-cover (to cover something again) vs. recover (to get better or regain something)

·      We decided to re-cover the dining chairs to match the new decor.

·      It took him weeks to recover from the flu.

Example 2:

re-sign (to sign again) vs. resign (to quit a job or position)

·      The athlete agreed to re-sign with the team.

·      She decided to resign from her role.

Avoid ambiguity

Hyphens can eliminate ambiguity and help your reader understand exactly what you mean.

Example:

small-business owner vs. small business owner

·      She’s a small-business owner with three cafés.

Without the hyphen, it could be read as a “small owner of a business,” implying the owner is small.

Numbers and fractions

When spelled out, numbers between twenty-one and ninety-nine should be hyphenated in all contexts.

Example:

·      thirty-three, sixty-seven

Simple fractions are generally hyphenated, whether they’re used as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. The only exception is when you want to emphasize the individual parts of the fraction.

Example 1:

·      Four-fifths of the students completed their homework on time.

Example 2:

·      The pie was cut into four quarters, and I managed to eat three quarters before anyone else noticed.

However, simple one-word fractions (such as half and quarter) are hyphenated when they describe a noun but left open when they’re just nouns.

Example 1:

·      We signed up for a half-hour session at the gym.

Example 2:

·      She gave a half smile.

Multiple hyphens

Multiple hyphens can be used to link words in a compound, but only when needed for clarity—otherwise, rewrite to keep it simple.

Example:

·      She made it to the finals of a winner-take-all contest.

If the second part of a hyphenated term is dropped, the hyphen remains to show the connection, especially in lists. This is called a suspended hyphen.

Example:

·      She owns short- and long-sleeve shirts.

The hyphen shows that “sleeve” applies to both short and long.

Hyphens are powerful tools. Used correctly, they clarify meaning, tidy up your writing, and make complex ideas easier to read. Our experienced proofreaders and editors can fine-tune every hyphen, so your writing will look sharp and professional.