A hyphen (—) can often be found between and in the middle of words in English. Take a look at this definition of the word hyphen to get a better idea of what a hyphen is and how it is used.

hyphen: a punctuation mark that is used between some compound words or between the syllables of one word that has to be divided between lines of text, with part of the word on one line of text and the rest of the word on the following line of text.

Using a hyphen to separate a word because you have run out of room to write the full word on a line of text is pretty straightforward.  You always separate a word with a hyphen between two syllables.

But how do you know when to use a hyphen in a compound word or between two related words?  This is a very good question and the one that I am going to answer in the remainder of this post!

Here are some basic rules for how to use a hyphen between words:

Always use a hyphen when writing compound numbers.
Examples:
twenty-one
fifty-two
seventy-seven

Always use a hyphen with words beginning with these prefixes: ex-, self-, or all-.
Examples:
ex-wife
self-centered
all-inclusive

Use a hyphen when two or more adjectives that come before a noun act as one idea.
Examples:
First-class decisions require clear-headed thinking.
She is a well-respected teacher.
My friends just build a new four-bedroom house.

Use hyphens in expressions where words have become linked by commonly being used together to express one idea.
Example:
merry-go-round
mother-in-law
up-to-date
(Sadly, the words that require hyphens, like these, are words you are just going to have to memorize over time.)

Do not use a hyphen after an adverb ending with -ly.
Examples:
A carefully planned surprise party is necessary to have a real surprise.
A fully automated phone system is not very helpful.

Do not use a hyphen in a phrase using a comparative or superlative adjective.
Examples:
Even the best laid plans often don’t work out the way you want them to.
The restaurant may succeed, but a more likely outcome is it will fail.

I hope this hyphen review has been helpful.  Please ask any questions you have about using hyphens in the comments section.  Until next time.