THE HYPHEN:

Smaller than a dash, the hyphen brings words together rather than setting them apart.

• Use a hyphen to form compound modifiers.
  
  COMPOUND MODIFIER:
  
  The Definition: Two or more words are acting as a single modifier for a noun.
  
  The Clue: They belong together. They are not part of a series that can separately describe the noun.
  
  
  • I think Steve is a well-intentioned volunteer.
    
  • Steve is a helpful, supportive volunteer.
    
  • The 20-year-old man was too young to buy alcohol.
    

  
  The Rule: If you can put "and" between the modifiers and it makes sense, it is not a compound modifier.
  
  The Exception: If the modifier includes "very" or an "-ly" adverb, these words alone indicate that they are part of a compound modifier, so a hyphen is redundant.
  

  • Most people think they have a well-developed sense of style.
    
  • Steve has a highly developed sense of style.
    
  • Susan has an open-minded view of the world.
    
  • Doug thinks he has very liberal views.
    

  The Kicker: Most compound modifiers are hyphenated when they follow the linking verb "to be."
  

  • I think his proposal is short-sighted.
    

  The Caveat: But be careful to distinguish between a compound modifier and the same words not used as a modifier.
  

  • His too-small effort couldn't save the game.
    
  • The coat he gave his mother was too small.
    

To begin studying the quotation marks, please go to the next page.