My friend Mike Goronsky came up with a clever way to make sure you’re using hyphens correctly in compound expressions.
It’s an obscure rule but a useful one. Often we need a hyphen with a two-word description:
He had a deadly-looking weapon. CORRECT
But did you notice that “often”? Sometimes you don’t need a hyphen:
a badly written bill CORRECT
How do you tell the difference? The answer is that adverbs don’t get hyphens.
But what if you’re a little uncertain about adverbs? English teachers always tell you to look for -ly words (sadly, merrily). There’s a catch, though. Some -ly words aren’t adverbs – ugly and costly, for example. How can you tell? Mike has come to the rescue!
Try this exercise he created – removing the second word. It makes everything crystal-clear:
a highly regarded study
Remove the second word “regarded.”
Now you have a “highly study.” Doesn’t make sense.
It’s an adverb! No hyphen.
the dimly lit study
Remove the second word “lit.”
Now you have “the dimly study.” No good.
It’s an adverb! No hyphen.
the barely worn dress
Remove the second word “worn.”
Now you have “the barely dress.” Ugh!
It’s an adverb! No hyphen.
BUT…
early-morning flight
Remove the second word “morning.”
You’re left with “early flight.” Makes total sense.
It’s an adjective! Add the hyphen in “early-morning flight.”
friendly-looking dog
Remove the second word “looking.”
Now you have “friendly dog.” Yay! Makes sense.
It’s an adjective! Add the hyphen in “friendly-looking dog.”
a family-friendly location
Remove the second word “friendly.”
You’re left with “a family location.” It’s an adjective! APPLAUSE! Add a hyphen!
Nobody could ever get this wrong using this trick! 😉😉
