For such little lines, dashes and hyphens get a large amount of attention. Here's our guide.

Hyphens (-)

Compound modifiers

Use a hyphen in a compound modifier (two or more words that work together to function like one adjective) when the modifier comes before the word it’s modifying:

<aside> ✅ Study for one of our world-class degrees.

</aside>

<aside> ✅ This long-term research project could change the world.

</aside>

<aside> ✅ Use the up-to-date list.

</aside>

If the noun comes first, don't hyphenate:

<aside> ✅ Our degrees are world class.

</aside>

<aside> ✅ This research project is long term and it could change the world.

</aside>

<aside> ✅ The list is up to date and therefore usable.

</aside>

Compound modifiers that include present or past participles follow the same rules as any other compound modifier. If it comes before the word it modifies, hyphenate it. When it comes after the word it modifies, don’t hyphenate it.

<aside> ✅ ever-forgiving family

</aside>

<aside> ✅ much-loved character

</aside>

<aside> ✅ well-established principle

</aside>

You don’t need a hyphen when your modifier is made up of an adverb and an adjective:

<aside> ✅ She was about to sit a notoriously difficult exam.

</aside>