hyphens (-)

Hyphens are joiners. Use them to avoid ambiguity or to form a single idea from two or more words. When a compound modifier (two or more words that express a single concept) precedes a noun, use hyphens to link all the words in the compound (a well-qualified student, a well-known physician). The only exceptions are the adverb “very” and all adverbs that end in “-ly” (a very good time, a highly trained lab tech, an easily remembered rule). Use to designate dual heritage: Italian-American, African-American (but no hyphen for French Canadian or Latin American).