#WWoW! Author's Craft: Hyphenate Modifiers #AmEditing #AmWriting

Tighten Your Copy Yourself

Hyphenate modifiers.

RULE
Whenever you modify a noun with more than one word, you need a hyphen. Modifiers precede the noun and describe it in further detail.

EXAMPLES
You need to use a hyphen if you’re writing about a part-time waitress.
But you don’t need a hyphen if she's working part time.

EXCEPTION
Don't hyphenate modifiers that end in “ly.” These are okay on their own... so save it.
Your newly hired waitress doesn’t need that hyphen.