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Understanding Hyphens

1. What Is a Hyphen?

A hyphen (-) connects words that work together as a single idea.

It prevents misreading, clarifies meaning, and keeps writing tight and professional.

Hyphens are most commonly used in compound modifiers — but AP Style has important exceptions.

2. Hyphens in Compound Modifiers (AP Style)

A compound modifier is two or more words that work together to modify a noun.

AP Style Rule

Hyphenate compound modifiers before a noun when they function as a single idea.

Examples

  • first-quarter earnings
  • full-time job
  • high-speed chase
  • well-known actor
  • long-term strategy
  • up-to-date information

Why?

Without the hyphen, the meaning can become unclear.

Compare:

  • small business owner (an owner of a small business)
  • small-business owner (an owner of a small business — same meaning, but clearer)

Hyphens prevent ambiguity.

3. Do NOT Hyphenate Compound Modifiers After the Noun

AP Style drops the hyphen when the modifier comes after the noun.

Examples

  • The job is full time.
  • The actor is well known.
  • The strategy is long term.
  • The information is up to date.

Hyphens are primarily a before-the-noun tool.

4. Do NOT Use Hyphens with “-ly” Adverbs

This is one of the most important AP Style hyphen rules.

AP Style Rule

Never hyphenate a compound modifier when the first word ends in -ly.

Examples

❌ highly-rated movie  

✔️ highly rated movie

❌ poorly-written article  

✔️ poorly written article

❌ easily-accessible menu  

✔️ easily accessible menu

Why?

The -ly ending already signals that the word is modifying the next one.

The hyphen becomes unnecessary and incorrect.

5. Hyphens with Numbers, Ages, and Fractions

A. Numbers Before Nouns

  • a 10-year plan
  • a 5-mile run
  • a 3-point shot

B. Ages Before Nouns

  • a 7-year-old child
  • a 30-year-old athlete

C. Ages After Nouns (NO Hyphen)

  • The child is 7 years old.
  • The athlete is 30 years old.

D. Fractions Used as Modifiers

  • a two-thirds majority
  • a one-half share

6. Hyphens to Avoid Ambiguity

Use a hyphen when the meaning could be misread without it.

Examples

  • re-sign (sign again) vs. resign (quit)
  • re-cover (cover again) vs. recover (heal)
  • man-eating shark vs. man eating shark

Hyphens can completely change meaning.

7. When NOT to Use Hyphens

AP Style avoids unnecessary hyphens.

Do NOT hyphenate:

  • -ly adverbs (as above)
  • Common phrases:
    • high school student
    • real estate agent
    • civil rights leader
  • Compound nouns that are widely recognized:
    • video game developer
    • ice cream cone
    • post office worker

If the meaning is clear without a hyphen, AP Style usually leaves it out.

8. Common Hyphen Mistakes Writers Must Avoid

A. Hyphenating “-ly” adverbs

Incorrect:

The quickly-moving car…  

Correct:

The quickly moving car…

B. Forgetting the hyphen before a noun

Incorrect:

first quarter earnings  

Correct:

first-quarter earnings

C. Keeping the hyphen after the noun

Incorrect:

The earnings were first-quarter.  

Correct:

The earnings were first quarter.

D. Overusing hyphens

Hyphens should clarify — not clutter.

9. Examples in Real Article Writing

Before (Incorrect)

The well known actor starred in a highly-rated movie.

After (Correct)

The well-known actor starred in a highly rated movie.

Another Example

Before:  

The team signed a 3 year deal.

After:  

The team signed a 3-year deal.

One More Example

Before:  

The job is full-time.

After:  

The job is full time.

10. Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers

Hyphens are essential for clarity and professionalism.

AP Style Essentials

  • Hyphenate compound modifiers before nouns
  • Do not hyphenate after the noun
  • Never hyphenate -ly adverbs
  • Use hyphens for ages, numbers, and fractions before nouns
  • Use hyphens to prevent ambiguity

Mastering hyphens helps contributors produce clean, polished, high‑performing content across every Total Apex vertical — from news to gaming to sports to lifestyle.