COMPUTER SYSTEMS RESEARCH
Elements of Technical Writing
2005-2006

  • Hyphenate two words compounded to form an adjective modifier
    1. In the sentence This is a sure-fire tip, the two words sure and fire form
      an adjective compound modifying tip. When two or more words are compounded
      to form an adjective that precedes a noun, they are usually hyphenated
          space-time continuum
          state-of-the-art technology
          long-range, high-power radar
        
    2. No hyphen is needed following adverbs that end in -ly
        technically accurate manual
        artificially induced sleep
        
    3. Adjectives ending in -ly are hyphenated when they are used with present participles
        friendly-sounding voice
        
    4. Many compound words that are hyphenated before a noun are not hyphenated after the noun:
        this is my up-to-date report      Bring them up to date.
        It is a well-known principle.     The principle was well known.
        
    5. Do not hyphenate scientific terms, chemicals, diseases, and plant and animal names used as modifiers if no hyphen appears in their original form.
         sulfur dioxide emissions
         swine flu epidemic