problem solving need hyphen

“Problem-Solving” Or “Problem Solving”? Learn If It Is Hyphenated

Is it problem-solving or problem solving? Hyphenation rules seem to be a little confusing when you’re first picking up a language. Don’t worry, though. They’re not nearly as complicated as the language may have led you to believe!

Problem-Solving Or Problem Solving – Hyphenated Or Not?

When we discuss the problem-solving hyphen rule, we learn that problem-solving is hyphenated when used to modify a noun or object in a sentence. We keep the two words separated when using them as their own noun and not modifying anything else in the sentence.

Examples Of When To Use “Problem-Solving”

Now that we’re into the whole debate of problem-solving vs problem solving, let’s look through some examples of how we can use “problem-solving” with a hyphen. As stated above, we use “problem-solving” when modifying a noun or object in a sentence. It’s the most common way to write “problem-solving.” Even the spelling without a hyphen is slowly being pushed out of common language use!

• This is a problem-solving class.
• I hold a problem-solving position at my workplace.
• My manager put me in charge of the problem-solving accounts.
• They say I have a problem-solving mind.
• We’re known as problem-solving children.

Examples Of When To Use “Problem Solving”

Though much less common to be seen written as a phrase noun, it is still worth mentioning. It’s grammatically correct to use “problem solving” at the end of a sentence or clause without a hyphen. However, as we stated above, many people are beginning to prefer the ease of sticking to the hyphenated spelling, meaning that it’s slowly phasing out of existence even in this form.

• I’m good at problem solving.
• This requires a lot of problem solving.
• We are all trained in problem solving.
• My job asks for problem solving.
• Did you say you were good at problem solving?

Is Problem-Solving Hyphenated AP Style?

Have you had a look through the rules in the AP stylebook before? Even if you haven’t, there’s a good explanation for hyphens there. As we stated above, we use hyphens when linking close words that modify a noun or object in a sentence. They’re used to help a reader better understand what is going on through the modification of the clause.

Should I Capitalize “Solving” In The Word “Problem-Solving”?

The question of “is problem-solving hyphenated” was answered, but now we’ve got a new question. What happens to capitalization rules when we add a hyphen to a title. It depends on your own title choices, so let’s look a little further into the three potential options. The first option capitalizes only the first word and any proper nouns in a title. In this case, neither word in “problem-solving” is capitalized.

The second option capitalizes all words except for short conjunctions, short prepositions, and articles. In this case, you will always capitalize “problem” but always leave “solving” uncapitalized. The final option capitalizes every single word in a title. No matter what, you’ll capitalize both words in “problem-solving” when using this style to write your titles.

Does The Rule Also Apply To “Problem Solver” Vs “Problem-Solver”?

The same rule does apply when we use “problem solver” instead of “problem solving.” However, it’s not often that we’ll see a “problem-solver” modifying a noun or object (unless it’s a problem-solver robot or something). So, it’s most likely you’ll write “problem solver.”

Alternatives To “Problem-Solving”

If you’re still struggling with the hyphen rule of whether it’s problem solving or problem-solving, there’s one last thing we can help you with. We can give you some alternatives that have the same meanings but don’t require a hyphen. This way, you can be safe in your own knowledge without having to worry about getting the rules wrong.

• interpretive

Quiz – Problem-Solving Or Problem Solving?

We’ll finish with a quiz to see how much you’ve learned from this article. The answers are all multiple choice, so you should have a blast with them! We’ll include the answers at the end to reference as well.

• I’ve been told that I’m good at (A. problem-solving / B. problem solving).
• I hold my (A. problem-solving / B. problem solving) skills close to my heart.
• We aren’t great at (A. problem-solving / B. problem solving).
• These are all the best (A. problem-solving / B. problem solving) subjects.
• Can we have a go at a (A. problem-solving / B. problem solving) puzzle?

Quiz Answers

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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Problem Solving or Problem-Solving?

The term problem-solving with a hyphen is an adjective that describes nouns in a sentence. E.g., “The problem-solving abilities of this program are excellent.” Furthermore, the term problem solving without a hyphen is a noun. E.g., “He is excellent at problem solving.”

The term problem solving can appear as two different word types, a noun or a compound adjective.

When problem-solving has a hyphen, it is an adjective describing a noun .

For example, in this sentence, problem-solving describes capabilities , which is a noun. Therefore, you need to include a hyphen.

• Her problem-solving capabilities are outstanding.

However, when you use problem solving as a noun , the term is usually not hyphenated because it doesn’t modify anything.

• She is an expert at all types of problem solving .

Furthermore, the rule of using a hyphen for the adjective but not for the noun is correct grammar according to AP Style and the Chicago Manual of Style .

Sometimes in English, the rules concerning punctuation, such as hyphens, are vague. For example, in the Cambridge and Oxford dictionaries, the noun problem-solving appears with a hyphen.

Essentially, you should always use a hyphen for the term problem-solving as an adjective. However, for problem solving as a noun, unless you follow a specific style guide like AP that does not use a hyphen, you can choose whether to hyphenate the noun. Just make sure that you are consistent with your choice.

In addition, Google Ngram shows that problem solving without a hyphen is slightly more popular in the US than with a hyphen. However, in the UK , the hyphenated version is slightly more frequent.

Now that you have learned the basics concerning the term problem solving, please keep reading the rest of the article to learn more about using the two variations of problem solving .

Problem Solving

The term problem solving as two words without a hyphen is the noun form.

In terms of use, it relates to resolving problems, which can relate to problems in a specific discipline or more general problems.

In the following examples, the term problem solving refers to the act of solving problems. Therefore, we do not need a hyphen.

• Her inability to perform problem solving on any task means that she loses her temper quickly.
• You should include problem solving as a skill on your resume.
• In team projects, effective problem solving can lead to innovative solutions and successful outcomes.
• Problem solving is not just about finding immediate answers but understanding the root cause of the issue.
• Her approach to problem solving often involves breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps.

Furthermore, you should use the above rule when following both AP Style or the Chicago Manual of Style.

Problem-Solving

The term problem-solving as one word with a hyphen is a compound word that appears before a noun. Hence, it modifies the noun .

For example, in the following sentence, the word problem-solving modifies the noun skills.

• His problem-solving skills are the best in the company.
• Her problem-solving approach is both methodical and creative, making her a valuable asset to the team.
• The workshop focuses on problem-solving techniques to address everyday challenges.
• Many employers prioritize candidates with strong problem-solving abilities in dynamic work environments.
• The game challenges children to use their problem-solving instincts to navigate various puzzles.

Furthermore, you will come across some sentences in which the noun problem solving has a hyphen.

As shown in these examples:

• You need to work on your problem-solving if you want to become an engineer.
• Improving your problem-solving is essential for success in mathematics.
• Mastering problem-solving will greatly benefit you in software development.

This is often a stylistic choice . However, in writing that follows AP Style , you should not use a hyphen with the noun form of problem solving.

Problemsolving

The word problemsolving as a single word with no hyphen or space is incorrect , and you shouldn’t use it in this format.

There are two ways you can use the term problem solving .

The first is as a noun, in which case there is no hyphen, but there is a space.

• Correct: He is excellent at problem solving because he never gives up. (noun)
• Incorrect: He is excellent at problemsolving because he never gives up. (noun)
• Correct : She has a knack for problem solving , especially in high-pressure situations. (noun)
• Incorrect : She has a knack for problemsolving , especially in high-pressure situations. (noun)

Also, you can write problem-solving as an adjective, in which case you need a hyphen.

• Correct: He is excellent at problem solving because he never gives up. (adjective)
• Incorrect: He is excellent at problemsolving because he never gives up. (adjective)
• Correct : They often turn to her for advice on problem solving in challenging situations. (adjective)
• Incorrect : They often turn to her for advice on problemsolving in challenging situations. (adjective)

That’s all you need to know about the grammar rules concerning the words problem solving , problem-solving , and problemsolving . Rest assured that your sentences will be correct if you follow these!

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Problem Solving or Problem-Solving?

The term “Problem-Solving” or “Problem Solving” often takes center stage in discussions about overcoming challenges. However, the nuances in its usage can be perplexing. This exploration aims to dissect the word, observing its forms as a noun, adjective, and verb. Through five examples for each category, we’ll emphasize correct spelling and punctuation, while delving into the importance of adhering to grammar rules.

The focal point will be the distinction between “Problem Solving” as a verb phrase, “Problem-Solving” as a hyphenated adjective or noun, and the incorrect form “Problem Solving.” Furthermore, we’ll highlight the consistency in usage between UK and US English.

The Noun Form: Problem-Solving

Correct examples.

• Effective problem-solving requires a systematic approach.
• The team showcased remarkable problem-solving skills during the crisis.
• Our workshop focused on collaborative problem-solving techniques.
• She excelled in the art of creative problem-solving .
• The conference highlighted the importance of collective problem-solving efforts.

Incorrect Examples

• Effective problem solving requires a systematic approach.
• The team showcased remarkable problem solving skills during the crisis.
• Our workshop focused on collaborative problem solving techniques.
• She excelled in the art of creative problem solving .
• The conference highlighted the importance of collective problem solving efforts.

Note: The correct noun form is “problem-solving” with a hyphen.

The Adjective Form: Problem-Solving

• The problem-solving approach proved successful in the project.
• Her problem-solving mindset made her an asset to the team.
• A problem-solving mindset is crucial for navigating challenges.
• The group showcased effective problem-solving techniques.
• They developed innovative problem-solving strategies.
• The problem solving approach proved successful in the project.
• Her problem solving mindset made her an asset to the team.
• A problem solving mindset is crucial for navigating challenges.
• The group showcased effective problem solving techniques.
• They developed innovative problem solving strategies.

Note: When used as an adjective, “problem-solving” should be hyphenated.

Read More: In Person or In-Person?

The Verb Form: Problem Solving

• The team collectively worked on problem solving for the project.
• She excels in problem solving by breaking down complex issues.
• They actively engage in collaborative problem solving .
• The committee is dedicated to effective problem solving .
• The approach involves strategic problem solving .
• The team collectively worked on problem-solving for the project.
• She excels in problem-solving by breaking down complex issues.
• They actively engage in collaborative problem-solving .
• The committee is dedicated to effective problem-solving .
• The approach involves strategic problem-solving .

Note: The correct verb form is “problem solving” without a hyphen.

Importance of Grammar Rules

Adhering to grammar rules is paramount for effective communication. Consistency in the use of hyphens, especially in words like “problem-solving,” ensures clarity and maintains the intended meaning. Proper grammar also contributes to professionalism in written and spoken communication.

Consistency in UK and US English

The usage of “problem-solving” remains consistent between UK and US English. Regardless of geographical location, the hyphenated form is universally accepted and preferred.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of “Problem-Solving” versus “Problem Solving” is vital for clear and effective communication. The correct usage varies depending on whether it functions as a noun, adjective, or verb. Adhering to grammar rules, including the proper placement of hyphens, enhances the precision of language.

The consistency in usage across UK and US English simplifies the application of these rules globally. So, whether discussing strategies, approaches, or mindsets, the choice between hyphenation and separation holds significance in conveying the right message.

Dariel Campbell is currently an English instructor at a university. She has experience in teaching and assessing English tests including TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG . With over a decade of teaching expertise, Dariel Campbell  utilizes his knowledge to develop English lessons for her audience on English Overview.

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Is Problem-Solving Hyphenated?

Hyphens are a complicated grammar point that is difficult to learn. One word that many people get confused about is “problem-solving.” You will see this word used often in formal environments, especially with a hyphen. Is problem-solving hyphenated?

Yes, problem-solving is hyphenated because it is an adjective modifying a noun. Problem-solving is what is called a compound adjective, meaning it needs the hyphen. Without the hyphen, problem-solving becomes problem solving and takes on a completely different meaning that you should not use when describing a noun.

The rest of this article will cover what problem-solving means and how to use problem-solving in a sentence.

What Does Problem-Solving Mean?

Problem-solving is a compound adjective that describes the process of fixing a problem. If you break it down, you’ll see the compound has two words: problem and solving. Problem is a harmful situation that needs to be dealt with. Solving is the resolution to situations like problems.

When you put the two words together, you get “problem-solving”, or the methods people take to solve a problem. For example, if someone says “You have great problem-solving skills,” they mean you can solve problems well.

Since school revolves around solving problems, you will see the word “problem-solving” everywhere in school environments. The same applies to work. A lot of businesses require employees to think on their feet and adapt to different problems.

If you want to impress your bosses or professors, make sure you add a hyphen in between problem and solving so the word is spelled correctly. Without the hyphen, problem-solving is no longer the same word.

Multi-word expressions need to have hyphens between them if they are being used to describe a noun. When being used to describe a noun, you should always add a hyphen to “problem-solving.”

How To Use Problem-Solving In A Sentence

Problem-solving is an adjective, meaning you need to use it to describe a person, place, or thing. It can be both positive and negative depending on the context of the sentence. For example, if you say someone has bad problem-solving skills, that is a negative use of the word.

Here are a few examples of “problem-solving” used in a sentence:

• “Last week, John went to Amy and helped her work on her problem-solving skills.”
• “After watching Jessica quickly adapt to her new workload, I have concluded that she has amazing problem-solving skills.”
• “Problem-solving skills are important because they help you think on your feet, adapt to a wide variety of situations, and help others more effectively.”

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How to Use a Hyphen Correctly

What is a hyphen?

• A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that’s used to join words or parts of words. It’s not interchangeable with the various dashes .
• Hyphens are often used in compound modifiers when the modifier comes before the word it’s modifying.
• If you’re not sure whether a compound word has a hyphen, check your preferred dictionary.

Here’s a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines? Grammarly can check your spelling and save you from grammar and punctuation mistakes. It even proofreads your text, so your work is polished wherever you write.

Your writing, at its best Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

Table of contents

Hyphens with compound modifiers: multiple-word adjectives before nouns, hyphens and compound modifiers with participles, hyphens and compound words, closed compound words, open compound words, hyphens and numbers, hyphens with prefixes: ex- , self- , all-.

Using hyphens to connect words is easy. Picking the right words to connect is a little harder. Let’s start with compound modifiers , also known as phrasal adjectives.

A compound modifier is made up of two or more words that work together to function like one adjective in describing a noun. When you connect words with a hyphen, you make it clear to readers that the words work together as a unit of meaning.

It’s recommended you don’t take down any load bearing walls when renovating.

It would be easy to read the above sentence as saying that you shouldn’t take down any load that is holding up a wall. A hyphen should be inserted between load and bearing to make it clear that we’re talking about walls that are bearing a load.

It’s recommended you don’t take down any load-bearing walls when renovating.

This rock-hard cake is absolutely impossible to eat.

We’re looking for a dog-friendly hotel.

She makes one-of-a-kind engagement rings in her studio.

The new house has state-of-the-art features.

Generally, you need the hyphen only if the two or more words are functioning together as an adjective before the noun they’re describing. If the noun comes first, we usually leave the hyphen out.

This wall is load bearing .

It’s impossible to eat this cake because it is rock hard .

Is this hotel dog friendly ?

You never use a hyphen when your modifier is made up of an adverb ending in -ly and an adjective.

Do you expect me to believe this clearly-impossible story?

Do you expect me to believe this clearly impossible story?

Compound modifiers that include present or past participles follow the same rules as any other compound modifier.

Hyphens in compound modifiers with present participles

When we combine an adjective , a noun , or an adverb that doesn’t end in -ly with a present participle (the – ing form of a verb) to describe another word, we use a hyphen to make the meaning of the combined descriptor clear.

There are some beautiful looking flowers in the garden.

Without the hyphen between beautiful and looking , your reader may stumble over the sentence. Perhaps there’s a new type of daisy called the “looking flower”?

There are some beautiful-looking flowers in the garden.

Fast-acting medication can be useful when one has a headache.

The belt-tightening measures at the company included some layoffs.

I prefer a forward-facing seat on the train.

Don’t use a hyphen when the modifier comes after the noun it’s describing.

This medication is fast acting.

Don’t use a hyphen when you are combining an adverb ending in -ly and a participle.

The room was like a heavily-decorated chocolate box.

The room was like a heavily decorated chocolate box.

Hyphens in compound modifiers with past participles

Compound modifiers that contain a past participle follow the same rules as other compound modifiers. Use a hyphen when the compound goes before the noun it modifies:

The municipal government is funding a community-based education system.

Wind-powered generators can be excellent sources of electricity.

Many veterinarians find meat-fed cats to be quite healthy.

A well-known local singer will perform tonight.

Don’t use a hyphen when the compound comes after the noun it describes.

The singer performing tonight is well known .

Hyphens with high and low

When using high or low as part of a compound modifier, use a hyphen when the compound comes before the noun it’s modifying.

Low-flying airplanes contribute to the noise pollution in the area.

This car runs best on high-octane gasoline.

Low-income families often face more stress than their higher-income counterparts.

A high-interest savings account is one of the best ways to save money.

Hyphenated compound words are multi-word terms with a hyphen or hyphens between their component words. Over time, many hyphenated compounds become closed compounds— teen-ager became teenager , for instance. Check a dictionary if you’re not sure how to treat a compound. Here are a few examples of common hyphenated compound words:

Mother-in-law

Ten-year-old

President-elect

Hyphenated words tend to become closed compounds (single words, with no spaces and no hyphens) over time. Email instead of e-mail , for example, is increasingly common. If you aren’t sure whether a word is a closed compound or a hyphenated one, check your preferred dictionary.

Chairperson

Open compounds are typically made up of two nouns that are used together to represent a single idea. “Open” means that there is a space between the two words and no hyphen. Again, a good dictionary is the best place to find out how to treat compounds—if the compound isn’t in the dictionary, that means it should be open.

Living room

Real estate

Dinner table

Numbers between twenty-one and ninety-nine should be hyphenated when they’re spelled out.

My parents arrived in Bratislava twenty-four hours ago.

This is the eighty-first baseball game of the regular season.

I’ve got ninety-two of these gizmos to sell.

Spelled-out two-word simple fractions are also hyphenated. One-word simple fractions (such as half and quarter ) as part of a compound are not joined by hyphens to the other word or words of the compound in its noun form, however.

I’ve seen about one-third of the movies on the AFI’s list.

We’ve been sitting here for about a half hour .

Hyphens in compound modifiers involving numbers

When a number appears as the first part of a compound modifier that comes before a noun in a sentence, the compound modifier is hyphenated. This applies whether the number is spelled out or in numerals, and whether it is cardinal or ordinal .

The president of the company gave a ten-minute speech to the board of directors.

The shopping mall installed a 107-foot-tall LED tower.

He is knowledgeable about thirteenth-century politics.

The kid threw a rock at the second-story window.

However, a hyphen is not required if the number is the second word in the compound adjective.

She has type 2 diabetes.

There’s no basement 3 button in this elevator because it doesn’t go down that far.

Hyphens are also not used between a number and the word percent appearing before a noun.

The channel got a 90 percent bump in subscribers after the video went viral.

Hyphens in compound modifiers involving fractions

When a fraction (e.g., half or quarter ) is used as part of a compound adjective appearing before a noun, it should be hyphenated.

I went on a three-quarter-mile run yesterday.

They pitched an idea for a half-hour comedy to the network.

The word half also combines with other words to form compounds in nonmathematical contexts. These compounds are generally hyphenated when they are used as adjectives (before or after a noun) and open when they are used as nouns or verbs.

She managed to salvage quite a bit of the half-burned sauce.

I was only half-awake when I answered your call.

He made a half attempt to contribute to the conversation, but he didn’t really mind just listening to the others.

They half wished for a live-in assistant.

Use a hyphen with the prefix ex- (meaning former ).

Don’t seat Masami and Ira next to each other! They are ex-partners !

Though she no longer held an official position, the ex-mayor still attended all the town’s functions.

Use a hyphen with the reflexive prefix self- .

Lying on the floor beside the plant he had knocked over and chewed on, the cat looked extremely self-satisfied .

The famous artist’s self-absorption was often noted.

When using all as part of a compound, use a hyphen if the compound is adjectival and leave the compound open if it is adverbial.

It’s a bad leader who thinks of themself as all-powerful .

The team went all in to meet the deadline for their project.

Hyphen Rules: Don’t Let Misused Hyphens Muddle Your Adjectives Or Your Writing

Mar 16, 2008 | Grammar and Usage , Proofreading , Punctuation

Rule 1: When compound adjectives come before a noun, the adjectives should be hyphenated.

Compound Adjective: two or more adjectives that work together to describe the same noun

Example 1: On Monday, Mrs. Thomas taught problem-solving skills to her class.

The compound adjective problem-solving tells what kind of skills Mrs. Thomas taught. Since these adjectives come before the noun and work together to describe the noun, it’s necessary to place a hyphen between them.

To understand why the hyphen is needed, remove it, then check the sentence’s meaning—it will be very different:

Example 2: On Monday, Mrs. Thomas taught problem solving skills to her class.

With no hyphen between the two adjectives, the writer’s meaning is unclear. Did Mrs. Thomas teach solving skills that were a problem ? Did she teach two types of skills to her class: problem skills and solving skills? Be sure that your punctuation reflects what you’re trying to say.

Also, watch for words that look like compound adjectives but are really separate, independent adjectives. Take a look at the following sentence:

Example 3: Stephen King is a successful, popular writer.

Here, successful and popular do not form a compound adjective; instead, they are two separate, independent adjectives describing writer , and a comma—rather than a hyphen—should be placed between them. Either word could be used by itself, and the sentence would make sense.

Rule 2: If the compound adjective comes after the noun it describes, no hyphen is needed.

Example 4: On Monday, Mrs. Thomas taught her class many skills, including problem solving .

Since problem solving follows the noun (skills), no hyphen is needed.

Sometimes writers may use what is called a suspending hyphen , a hyphen that is used when two or more adjectives have the same base element, and the base element is shown only with the last term. Consider the following examples:

Example 5: Although they couldn’t wait for their new furniture, Bill and Abby knew that there would be a three- to four-day delay in delivery.

Here, three and four share the base word day . The writer could have written three-day and four-day delay , but using the suspending hyphen creates writing that is more succinct and easier to read.

Example 6: Peter’s knowledge of the case was through second- and thirdhand information.

In this sentence, the hyphen after second tells the reader that second shares the same base element as thirdhand , which is, of course, hand . Again, using the suspending hyphen is more efficient than writing secondhand and thirdhand information .

So far, so good, right? Well, there is an exception to these basic hyphenation rules.

Rule 3: Do not hyphenate when the first of the two words ends in -ly.

Example 7: Maddie is an extremely overworked mother.

Extremely is an adverb. By definition, adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs. In this sentence, extremely is not describing mother (which is a noun) but is telling how overworked Maddie is. Therefore, no hyphen is needed between extremely and overworked .

Rule 4: Watch for special hyphenated nouns.

Example 8: She was the runner-up in the beauty contest.

Other examples can include mother-in-law (and the other in-laws), best-seller, follow-up, etc. When in doubt about a hyphenated noun (as opposed to a compound word, such as letterhead or freeway), don’t guess. It’s always best to look it up in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary (our dictionary of choice).

Hyphens may be disappearing in some cases (thanks to the Internet), but if you proofread your work carefully and follow these basic rules, they won’t trip you up! Learn more about Writer’s Relief expert proofreaders ! And once your work is proofread, why not use Writer’s Relief’s expertise? We can help target the best markets and boost your odds of getting an acceptance or securing agent representation. Learn more about our services and submit your writing sample to our Review Board today!

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What are the Differences in Meaning Between "Problem Solving" and "Solving Problems"

Problem Solving tells us what you do.

Solving Problems tells us what you do it to.

Is there any other difference in meaning in the context of math word problems?

• "He loves nothing better than problem solving; or, "He loves nothing better than solving problems." Each sentence says pretty much the same thing. –  rhetorician Commented Dec 25, 2014 at 2:45

2 Answers 2

In principle a connection of gerund and object can have three forms

1 the solving of problems (in Latin Grammar "problems" is called genetivus objectivus, i.e. "problems" corresponds to an object in a normal sentence with a finite verb.)

2 solving problems

3 problem solving/problem-solving

In 1 we have the full form with the and of. 2 is derived from 1 by dropping the and of. 3 is derived from 2 by putting "problems" in front position.

All three forms have the same meaning. Which form will be used is a matter of style. Form 2 is the common form.

Even "I'm solving problems" might be derived from form 1: I'm at/in the act of (the) solving (of) problems.

Well, "problem solving" is a noun (or, when hyphenated, an adjective); but "solving problems" is a present-progressive tense verb with an object.

Thus, "He has good problem-solving skills." But: "I am solving problems", rather than "I am problem solving".

But these are only matters of syntax. In answer to your question, no, there is no difference in meaning.

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A Word, Please: Should you use a hyphen? It often depends on the part of speech

• Copy Link URL Copied!

Do you ever login to your email? Or do you log in? Either way, do you use your log-in? During the holiday season, do you use gift wrap to gift-wrap gifts? Do you use your pickup to pick up the kids as they hang out at their favorite hangout?

If you find these matters intimidating, don’t. Even people with excellent language and punctuation skills can be stumped when it’s time to decide whether a term should be one word, two words or hyphenated.

Really, how could you guess that a water-skier water skis on water skis? And even if you did suss out that water-skiing takes a hyphen, your sussing skills would betray you if you had to write about skeet shooting, which is not hyphenated.

If you don’t want to stress over these matters, good news: You don’t have to. No one is expected to know them all. Not even copy editors commit all these terms to memory.

But if you would like to approach these hyphenation situations with greater confidence, you need to know where to look them up and how.

Most of the time, you’ll find answers in the dictionary. But don’t just skim the entry word to see if there’s a hyphen in it. Note what part of speech you’re looking for — noun, verb or adjective — then find that form under the entry word. Otherwise, you could glimpse “water ski” in the dictionary and assume it’s correct to write that you like to water ski.

According to Merriam-Webster’s, the noun meaning a piece of sports equipment takes no hyphen — it’s a water ski. But the verb does — you water-ski. Water-skier has its own entry, complete with hyphen.

A Word, Please: Whet your grammar skills with this list of common terms people get wrong

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March 5, 2021

Of course, water-skiing probably doesn’t come up as much as logging in to websites and email accounts. But the terms “log in” and “log on” are a little messier. For a simple guide, remember that the verb form is two words. You never login to your account. You log in. Merriam-Webster’s actually doesn’t have an entry for “log in” or “login.” They have one for “log on,” where they note that “log in” is an alternative form.

Interestingly, there is no noun form of “logon” or “login” in Merriam’s. Instead, the dictionary lists the noun as hyphenated. So according to this dictionary you log on using your log-on and you log in using your log-in.

Personally, I think Merriam’s is a little behind the times on this one. It’s common for two-word and hyphenated forms to slowly merge into closed one-word forms, like “teen-ager” and “good-bye.” So I’ll allow “login” or “logon” as a noun when I’m editing.

I will not, however, allow “log into” or “log onto.” To my mind, “log in” and “log on” are phrasal verbs and “log into” and “log onto” are not. Merriam’s has my back on this to a certain degree: The dictionary treats “log in to” and “log on to” as the preferred forms, but it also recognizes “into.”

In most cases, you’ll find that verb forms tend to be open compounds: pick up, gift wrap, hang out. Nouns are often one word: hangout, pickup. But you’ll find a lot of nouns hyphenated in the dictionary, too: problem-solving, decision-maker. Some nouns aren’t listed, like the paper we call gift wrap. In those cases, you can just combine two words, usually without a hyphen: gift wrap.

Adjectives are a little different. For these, if they’re not in the dictionary, there’s a rule you can apply: Hyphenate any two words used to modify a noun anytime the hyphen could aid understanding. A woman eating lobster, after all, is quite different from a woman-eating lobster. But if your compound includes an adverb that ends in “ly,” no need for a hyphen. The adverb form itself eliminates all chance of confusion when you write about a “happily married couple” or a “beautifully composed musical score.”

Just don’t feel bad that you don’t know all the answers. No one does.

June Casagrande is the author of “The Joy of Syntax: A Simple Guide to All the Grammar You Know You Should Know.” She can be reached at [email protected] .

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Hyphens and Dashes

Hyphens (-).

Hyphens are only used to combine certain words together. They are not strong enough to set off phrases or words from a sentence. Use hyphens in the following situations:

• Use in compound numbers and fractions.

Examples: twenty-nine, two-thirds

• Join multi-word nouns read as a single unit.

Examples: sister-in-law, nine-year-old, mid-July

• Combine two adjectives that are working together to describe the same noun.

Example: Maria is a self-conscious writer.

Maria is not a self writer or a conscious writer: both words must work together to describe her, so they are hyphenated.

• 26-year-old woman but woman who is 26 years old
• 10-page paper but a paper that is 10 pages long
• new-consultant training but training for new consultants
• over-the-counter medicine but medicine that is over the counter
• Don't use between an adverb and adjective.

Example: They shared a very tender and extremely memorable moment.

• Always use between an adverb and a participle (verb form that describes a noun). Consider the following examples:

Examples: well-developed, well-known, self-correcting, home-cooked, problem-solving, ill-advised, fast-moving, friendly-sounding

• Use a "suspended" hyphen when at least two similar compound words appear next to each other and the final portion of the compound has been eliminated to avoid repetition. The hyphen appears after the first compound, regardless if the compound normally has a hyphen. A hyphen occurs in the main compound only if it would normally be hyphenated.

Example: Are her father- and mother-in-law coming over for dinner?

Example: Is it a nine- or ten-story building?

Example: He under- or overestimated all of his opponents.

Example: Mrs. Harris has taught first-, second-, and third-grade at my elementary school.

Proofreading Tip

If you're unsure whether a hyphen is needed, check an online dictionary or paste the phrase into Google and check common usage.

Short Dashes

Short dashes ( – ) are more commonly called "en" dashes, because they are the length of the letter "n" and often combine numbers. Short dashes often replace hyphens to prevent confusion and have the following roles:

• January–April (meaning January through April)
• one–five (meaning one through five)
• anti–New York view
• New Jersey–Paris flight
• non–computer literate adult
• pro-life–pro-choice debate

Long Dashes (—)

Long dashes (—) are more commonly called "em" dashes, because they are the length of the letter "m." These longer dashes are created in Microsoft Word by placing two hyphens right after a word and hitting Enter. Word will then autocorrect the two hyphens into a dash. Use long dashes in the following situations:

• Emphasize additional information in the middle or end of a sentence. Long dashes provide more emphasis than a comma or parentheses and can indicate a pause to slow your reader.

Example: Daniel —in all fairness— had no choice but to become Mrs. Doubtfire.

Example: She was an ESL (English as a second language) student —someone who is still learning how to speak/write in English .

• Replace commas to prevent confusion when restating or describing a noun.

Example: The Spice Girls —Sporty, Baby, Posh, Scary, and Ginger— were the biggest cultural icons of the 1990s.

Example: When I woke up, I had a lot of cold symptoms —coughing, sneezing, and a headache .

• Indicate an abrupt change in thought or shift in tone.

Example: Jurassic World was amazing with today’s graphics —but I’m getting ahead of myself .

• Replace a semicolon to combine two complete sentences.

Example: The Eiffel Tower is the most visited paid monument in the world—it features restaurants on both the first- and second levels.

Long dashes can either have spaces on both sides or no spaces on either side.

Example, with spaces: Dinner tonight is going to be so delicious — roast beef, green beans, and potatoes!

Example, without spaces: Dinner tonight is going to be so delicious—roast beef, green beans, and potatoes!

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Is Problem-Solving Hyphenated? Rules & Examples

The Cambridge Dictionary defines "problem solving" as the ability to find solutions to different problems.

Problem-solving with a hyphen is among the most used hyphenated compound nouns; however, according to various English language grammar rules, its use depends on the context.

So, is problem-solving always hyphenated? What are the most basic rules we should know before using this phrase's noun form? Let's find out.

Should I Write Problem-solving or Problem Solving?

Both “problem-solving” and “problem solving” are correct, but they are not typically used interchangeably, in line with basic noun hyphenation rules.

If you are using the term as an adjective to describe a noun, you should write "problem-solving" with a hyphen. For example: "The problem-solving skills of the team are remarkable."

If you are using the term as a noun , you should write "problem solving" without a hyphen. For example: "She excels in problem solving."

The decision to use a hyphen or not depends on whether you are using the term as a compound adjective or a standalone noun.

Differences Between Problem-Solving and Problem Solving

Both “problem solving” and “problem-solving” are common language phrases with the same meaning, but their form varies depending on context. There are three punctual differences between these two terms:

1. Grammar and Usage:

• "Problem-solving" (with a hyphen) is used as a compound adjective to describe a noun. For example, "The problem-solving skills of the team were evident."
• "Problem solving" (without a hyphen) is used as a noun. For example, "She excels in problem solving."

2. Hyphen Usage:

• The hyphen in “problem-solving” indicates its function as a compound adjective. It follows the grammatical convention of using hyphens in compound adjectives.
• “Problem solving” without a hyphen is a standard noun form; here, a hyphen isn't used because it doesn't function as a compound adjective modifying another noun.

3. Clarity and Emphasis:

• "Problem-solving" can be used when you want to emphasize the adjective nature of the term, highlighting the skills or abilities related to solving problems.
• "Problem solving" as a noun may be preferred when you want to emphasize the action or concept itself, without focusing on its role as an adjective modifying another noun.

Problem-Solving Sentence Examples

Here are some sentence examples using “problem-solving” as a compound adjective:

• The problem-solving team quickly addressed the technical issues.
• We need a problem-solving approach to tackle the current challenges.
• His problem-solving skills proved invaluable in resolving the customer complaints.
• The problem-solving workshop provided practical strategies for decision-making.
• The project's success was attributed to effective problem-solving strategies.
• Team members showcased their problem-solving abilities during the simulation.
• The software engineer's problem-solving mindset improved system efficiency.
• The company values employees with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• A problem-solving mindset is crucial in adapting to changes in the SEO landscape.

Problem Solving Sentence Examples

Here are some examples of using 'problem solving' as a noun phrase:

• Effective problem solving requires creativity and critical thinking.
• Her problem solving led to a successful resolution of the conflict.
• The company encourages a culture of continuous improvement through problem solving.
• Problem solving is a key competency in leadership roles.
• Within collaborative projects, effective problem solving can lead to innovative solutions and successful outcomes.

How to Use Problem-Solving or Problem Solving

If you find yourself uncertain about whether to use "problem-solving" or "problem solving" these three main rules can provide clarity and help you make the right choice:

1. Adjective vs. Noun:

• Use “Problem-Solving” (with a hyphen): When using the term as a compound adjective to describe a noun.
• Use "Problem Solving" (without a hyphen): When you are using the term as a standalone noun.

2. Emphasis on Skill or Process:

• Use "Problem-Solving" (with a hyphen): When you want to emphasize the skills, abilities, or characteristics related to solving problems. For example, "The SEO team demonstrated excellent problem-solving capabilities.
• "Use "Problem Solving" (without a hyphen): When you want to focus on the general concept or activity of solving problems without emphasizing specific skills. For example, "Effective problem solving is crucial in digital marketing."

3. Adherence to Style Guides:

• Use "Problem-Solving" (with a hyphen): If you are following style guides such as AP Style or the Chicago Manual of Style, which recommend using a hyphen when the term is used as a compound adjective.
• Use "Problem Solving" (without a hyphen): If you are following a more casual or flexible writing style, or if you prefer a simpler, non-hyphenated form.

Summary: Is Problem-Solving Hyphenated?

There you have it - "problem-solving" with a hyphen serves as a compound adjective, highlighting specific skills related to addressing challenges, while "problem solving" without a hyphen is a standalone noun emphasizing the broader concept of resolving issues.

Vary the use of this phrase based on the sentence context and the intended meaning, as it solely depends on the term's grammatical role.

Write better perfectly

Hyphens, En Dashes, Em Dashes

Q. I know that the CMOS preference is not to hyphenate “noun + gerund” compounds, but in the case of “decision-making,” which appears with the hyphen in many dictionaries, would CMOS call for a hyphen? Thank you in advance!

A. Here’s what our hyphenation table says, under “noun + gerund”: “Noun form usually open; adjective form hyphenated before a noun. Some permanent compounds hyphenated or closed (see 7.82).”

If you follow the link to paragraph 7.82 , you will see that a permanent compound is a compound that’s listed in the dictionary in any form—open, hyphenated, or closed. In Merriam-Webster, our dictionary of choice, the hyphenated compound noun “ decision-making ” appears as such, so it’s always hyphenated. (Most adjective forms, on the other hand, can be left open after a noun, even if they are listed in the dictionary with a hyphen.)

In CMOS 16 (published in 2010), “decision-making” was not yet listed in Merriam-Webster. But M-W added it in time for CMOS 17 (published in 2017). So whereas CMOS 16 shows the noun form “decision making” in its table, CMOS 17 has “decision-making.”

We hope this helps with your decision-making efforts! (As a preceding modifier, “decision-making” would be hyphenated even according to CMOS  16.)

[This answer relies on the 17th edition of CMOS (2017) unless otherwise noted.]

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Definition of problem-solving noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

problem-solving

• to develop problem-solving skills and strategies

Questions about grammar and vocabulary?

Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English.

Nearby words

Is Problem-Solving Hyphenated?

Hyphens are a complicated grammar point that is difficult to learn. One word that many people get confused about is “problem-solving.” You will see this word used often in formal environments, especially with a hyphen. Is problem-solving hyphenated?

The rest of this article will cover what problem-solving means and how to use problem-solving in a sentence.

What Does Problem-Solving Mean?

When you put the two words together, you get “problem-solving”, or the methods people take to solve a problem. For example, if someone says “You have great problem-solving skills,” they mean you can solve problems well.

If you want to impress your bosses or professors, make sure you add a hyphen in between problem and solving so the word is spelled correctly. Without the hyphen, problem-solving is no longer the same word.

How To Use Problem-Solving In A Sentence

Problem-solving is an adjective, meaning you need to use it to describe a person, place, or thing. It can be both positive and negative depending on the context of the sentence. For example, if you say someone has bad problem-solving skills, that is a negative use of the word.

Here are a few examples of “problem-solving” used in a sentence:

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problem-solving

Definition of problem-solving

Examples of problem-solving in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'problem-solving.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near problem-solving

Cite this entry.

“Problem-solving.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/problem-solving. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.

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How to Use (or Not Use) a Hyphen

Among the many books about punctuation , precious few are devoted to a single mark. There’s “ On the Dot ,” by the Brothers Humez, which celebrates the period, or full stop; “ Semicolon ,” a thoughtful treatise by Cecelia Watson; and “ Fucking Apostrophes ,” a jewel of a book by Simon Griffin. The hyphen, which may not technically qualify as a punctuation mark, because it operates at the level of the word rather than the sentence—it doesn’t make you pause (though it may give you pause)—has inspired not one great book but two: “ Meet Mr. Hyphen (And Put Him in His Place) ,” a classic by Edward N. Teall, published in 1937, and “ Hyphen ,” by Pardis Mahdavi, which came out in 2021.

Mahdavi, an Iranian-American (hyphen hers), was a dean at Arizona State University when she tackled this project, as part of a series for Bloomsbury Academic called Object Lessons, “about the hidden lives of ordinary things.” The invention of the hyphen has been credited to Dionysius Thrax, a Greek grammarian who worked at the Library of Alexandria in the second century B.C. Mahdavi writes, “The elegant, sublinear bow-shaped U-hyphen . . . was used to fuse words and highlight words that belonged together.” Much later, in fifteenth-century Germany, Johannes Gutenberg used hyphens liberally (in their modern form) to justify the columns of heavy Gothic type in his Bible. Gutenberg was born to Friele Gensfleisch (Gooseflesh), a merchant, in Mainz. J. P. Morgan might not have been so keen to get his hands on an edition of the historic work had it been known as the Gensfleisch Bible.

The hyphen continues to serve a dual purpose: it both connects and separates. In justified text, it divides into appropriate syllables a word that lands on a line break, a task that machines have not yet mastered; and it is instrumental in the formation of compounds, where it is famously subject to erosion. Yesteryear’s “ball-point pen” became the “ballpoint,” “wild-flowers” evolved into “wildflowers,” and “teen-age” found acceptance as “teenage” in most outlets (but not in this one).

In modern times, the hyphen has sown controversy. Mahdavi tells the story of how Teddy Roosevelt, in his outrage at losing the Presidency to Woodrow Wilson, in 1912, appealed to Americans’ xenophobia. He was an “anti-hyphenate.” Mahdavi writes, “Referring to the hyphen between the name of an ethnicity and the word ‘American,’ hyphenism and hyphenated Americanism was seen as a potentially fracturing and divisive force in an America on the brink of war.” Irish-Americans, German-Americans, Jewish-Americans, and Chinese-Americans were all suspect. In 1915, Teddy Roosevelt made some remarks that formed “a turning point in how the hyphen became demonized both orthographically and politically.” He said, “The man who calls himself an American citizen and who yet shows by his actions that he is primarily the citizen of a foreign land, plays a thoroughly mischievous part in the life of our body politic.” (Victims of anti-hyphenism might be gratified to know that during the pandemic the equestrian statue of Teddy Roosevelt was removed from in front of the Museum of Natural History.)

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The hyphen underwent an assault from a different corner in 2007, when Angus Stevenson, an editor of the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, removed the hyphens from sixteen thousand words. Some words he closed up (“bumblebee”), others he divided in two (“fig leaf”). When people objected, he argued that the general public didn’t understand the rules governing the hyphen and didn’t care enough to learn them. He may also have thought that the hyphens were ugly. Responding in the Times , Charles McGrath, formerly an editor at this magazine, likened them to “flyspecks.” The British are big hyphenators, he noted, perhaps inspired by Shakespeare, a profligate lover of compound words. The New Yorker , as McGrath knew well (he began his editorial career on the magazine’s copydesk), uses all the hyphens all the time, to avoid ambiguity, whether ambiguity is present or not. For instance, a high-school student might enjoy a chocolate-chocolate-mint-chip-ice-cream sundae. The founders relied heavily on Fowler’s “Modern English Usage,” and Fowler liked hyphens, although he did wish that when people used them they were guided by common sense. Those who prefer to do without the hyphen, he writes, “can be left to solve their problems for themselves.”

Mahdavi takes her hyphens very seriously. A child of Iranian parents, she grew up in Minnesota, where, in the nineteen-eighties, her family was menaced by bigoted neighbors reacting to the fundamentalist regime of Ayatollah Khomeini. She was at work in New York on the morning of September 11, 2001, when anti-Muslim sentiment surged in response to the attack on the Twin Towers. But the moment when it really became personal for Mahdavi, the event that seared the hyphen into her identity, was a lecture at the University of Tehran, in 2007, when she was presenting her research on sexual politics in Iran. “Just as I was too Iranian in America, I was too American in Iran,” she writes. The lecture hall was raided, and Mahdavi describes being put under house arrest and interrogated for so many days that she lost count. Her true crime? “I was a hyphenated feminist activist,” she writes. She was banished from Iran. “It took getting arrested and kicked out of Iran to wrap my limbs around the hyphen,” she writes. “But, once I did, I found the power inside.”

Whereas Mahdavi has chosen to embrace the hyphen, others have rejected it. In 2019, the Associated Press dropped the hyphen from such terms as “German American” and “Chinese American,” gladdening the heart of Henry Fuhrmann, formerly a copy editor for the Los Angeles Times , who had long felt hobbled by the hyphen, believing it made people feel less than American. The New Yorker went along with the dropping of the hyphen in these constructions, on the principle that you call people what they want to be called.

In 2012, while working at a think tank on the Google campus in Mountain View, California, Mahdavi listened in to a group of nerds as they debated whether to get rid of a code that created “nonbreaking hyphens”; for instance, you wouldn’t want to break up “I-80,” setting the “I-” on one line and the “80” on the line below. Some of the Google programmers thought that the code for the nonbreaking hyphen wasn’t worth the trouble; it was unwieldy. In the end, the code was saved, and they toasted the hyphen, “a piece of punctuation that holds more power than a letter, that physically brings things, people, places together.”

Now, some of you are probably wondering about the arrested state of development apparent at The New Yorker in the persistence of the hyphen in the word “teen-age.” It is the most unpopular hyphen we have. Without being able to go back in time and divine the reasons for it, the only explanation I have found is that “teenage,” without a hyphen, is listed in Webster’s Second Unabridged (1934) with a different meaning: “Brushwood used for fences and hedges,” from a variant of “tine,” to enclose. The word’s second syllable is weaker than that of the “age” in “teen-age”—closer to the “ij” sound in “bondage.” “Teenage” is preceded in the dictionary by the adjective “teen,” meaning “within the teens; between thirteen and nineteen; as, boys of teen age.” “Teen-age” is hyphenated. True, Webster’s Second Unabridged has been superseded by (deep breath) the Third Unabridged, as well as by the Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and Eleventh (another breath) Collegiate editions, as well as by Webster’s online, which has dropped the earlier unhyphenated definition entirely. There is something about that hyphen quivering between the ages of thirteen and nineteen that evokes the angst of adolescence, as if to say, “You’ll miss me when I’m gone.”

More Comma Queen

The trick for choosing “who” vs. “whom.”

Sympathy for the semicolon .

Female trouble: the debate over “woman” as an adjective.

A few words about that ten-million-dollar serial comma .

Excuse me! Your participle is dangling .

Whichcraft— “that” vs. “which.”

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Separated by a Common Line—The Hyphen as a Well-known Grammar Challenge

The rules of using a hyphen are quite puzzling. We shed a light on where to put an obligatory hyphen, and when to avoid the punctuation mark.

The Correct Use of a Hyphen

• Numbers and Fractions
• Non-mandatory Use

The Infamous Hyphen

A hyphen —like many other punctuation marks—should help us to navigate between the words and sentences of our texts. Luckily, there are some clearly defined cases that automatically invoke the use of a hyphen . In other examples, a hyphen is not mandatory, but helpful for the readers. Let’s have a look at the distinct instances first.

Basically, hyphenated words can obtain every part of speech in a sentence. It doesn’t matter if you come across a combination of two nouns, one preposition plus an adjective, or a whole phrase working as a modifier.

Hyphenated Numbers and Fractions (Numerals)

Try to remember to hyphenate when spelling out numbers between twenty-one and ninety-nine. Every one of them has a hyphen between the first, and the second digit. Fractions and ordinal numbers require a hyphen, too.

Thirty-one plus forty-five equals seventy-six .

You’ll need two-thirds of Parliament.

He was second-best .

We have to write a one-hundred-words essay until Thursday.

Compound Adjectives with Hyphens

Whenever you encounter an adjective that consists of two parts (an adverb + an adjective, or two adjectives), its spelling primarily depends on the position of this construction. Compare these two sentences:

George Orwell was a well-known author.

George Orwell was well known for his novels.

If the adjective comes right before a noun, it becomes hyphenated in order to avoid possible confusion. If, on the other hand, the two-part adjective stands alone, it doesn’t have a hyphen. This distinction refers to so-called attributive and predicative adjectives .

Prefixes that indicate this hyphenated construction: “well-”, “ill-”, “little-”, or “much-”

Whenever you want to use two proper adjectives simultaneously, a hyphen is needed for this parallelism:

My new jacket is blue-green at the bottom, and light-blue on top.

That’s not the case if adjectives are specified through a preceding noun:

I brought you some salmon pink flowers.

Kindly note that some people tend to put the hyphen arbitrarily.

I brought you some salmon-pink flowers.

Compound Nouns with and without Hyphens

Look out for prefixes like “pre-”, “pro-”, “anti-”, “non-”, “post-”, “ex-”, “half-”, “self-”, “all-”, “full-”, “part-”, “mid-”, “high-”, and “low-”.

These nearly always come separated from the noun by a hyphen:

The high-season of this region is between mid-September and mid-November .

One part of this two-tier construction may also be a digit, a special character or a single letter:

She gave us a boring 45-minute speech about physics.

I wouldn’t wear this t-shirt .

You have big $-signs in your eyes . (Please note: This is usually informal.)

Some compound words appear in their hyphenated form in order to distinguish them from other similar words.

Mother-in-law, drive-in, walk-through, real-time, mayor-elect, editor-in-chief.

Other compound words you’ll never find with a hyphen:

Life insurance, real estate, lifestyle, doorbell, setup.

Hyphenated Phrases With More Than One Hyphen

Whenever you want to use a modifier that consists of more than two components, we suggest using more than one hyphen. Just connect every single word with its neighbors, and you’re good to go. Remember: you can identify these cases by simply omitting one component. If it only makes sense with it, you want to indicate this conjunction by hyphens.

Out-of-place

dog-eat-dog

know-it-all

Hyphenating Verbs Modifies Their Meaning

It’s not very common, but there are a few examples with hyphenated verbs. These may occur in only one specific combination or in various forms, such as verbs beginning in “double-.”

double-click

roller-skate

Hyphens in Names and Brands

If a popular brand name, a company, or even a personal name gets a hyphen depends on the specific case. There is no valid rule for this category. However, don’t forget to capitalize all components (as geographical terms appear in uppercase).

Coca-Cola, 7-Eleven, Harley-Davidson, Rolls-Royce

Saint-Tropez, Jay-Z, Miami-Dade

Non-Mandatory Use of the Hyphen

The following cases show examples of a more or less voluntary use of the hyphen. When you decide to include a hyphen, this generally helps to avoid confusion caused by ambiguity. For compound nouns (such as nationalities ), there are a couple of examples that might require a hyphen:

flowerpot or flower pot or flower-pot

Occasionally, a hyphen supports the distinction between two homographs (words with an identical spelling):

After we re-view the movie, we’re able to write a review properly.

Moreover, the exact position of the hyphen determines the meaning of a given sentence.

Please compare

The staff has to work twenty four-hour shifts a week.

The staff has to work twenty-four-hour shifts a week.

Since the rules of English hyphenation appear to be fairly complicated, LanguageTool will provide you with a well-deserved and much-appreciated overview on all the spelling challenges. It’ll remind you of all mandatory hyphens, but only give you some advice on the voluntarily set hyphens. Moreover, don’t worry about mistaking hyphens and dashes —LT helps you also to distinguish them.

• Would it make a difference if I hyphenate a compound?
• Am I understood if I refuse to put a hyphen?
• Can I even decide on using a hyphen, or do I have to write it as one word (or two)?

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Daily Writing Tips

5 examples of how hyphens help.

Confusion about whether or not to use a hyphen remains one of the most common mechanical problems in writing. Here are five sentences in which hyphens are erroneously omitted.

1. “The head on crash sent three people to the hospital.” This sentence creates the unfortunate impression that a human head is somehow responsible for a car accident: The phrasal adjective “head on” should be hyphenated before the noun it refers to (but, like all the other examples in this post, should left open when it follows the noun): “The head-on crash sent three people to the hospital.”

2. “It’s unfortunate that she didn’t make better informed decisions.” One could refer to informed decisions that are better, but that’s not quite what is meant here. The reference is to decisions that are better informed, so the phrasal adjective should be hyphenated: “It’s unfortunate that she didn’t make better-informed decisions.”

3. “His report suggested a less than careful analysis of the facts.” What kind of analysis being discussed? One that is less than careful. So this combination of words should be hyphenated: “His report suggested a less-than-careful analysis of the facts.”

4. “She showed excellent time management skills.” This sentence can be read only as intended, but because “time management” is not awarded status as a standing phrase by being honored with a dictionary entry, it should be treated like any other temporary phrasal adjective: “She showed excellent time-management skills.”

5. “By observing quality of care measures at that point, they could predict with 77 percent accuracy who would drop out of high school.” The issue is not care measures and their quality; it is measures of quality of care, or “quality-of-care measures”: “By observing quality-of-care measures at that point, they could predict with 77 percent accuracy who would drop out of high school.”

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5 thoughts on “5 Examples of How Hyphens Help”

In example 3, what is the word “read” doing there? I notice you omitted it from the revision.

I meant to replace read with analysis but forgot to delete read; we’ll fix it.

In example five, shouldn’t there also be a hyphen for “77-percent accuracy?”

No, references to percentages are not hyphenated.

Oh, I didn’t know that rule about percentages. It seems arbitrary, since it is an adjectival phrase.

Thanks for the response.

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