The hyphenation is not necessary if there is no risk of ambiguity. Hence we can write "commonly used word" because "commonly" (unlike adverbs which double as adjectives, such as "well", "ill") cannot stand alone before a noun.
Which words should be hyphenated?
What words should be hyphenated?
- Compound adjective + noun. When you use a compound adjective before the noun, you should hyphenate: ...
- Age + noun. If age is being used as an adjective before the noun, you should hyphenate: ...
- Numbers 21 through 99. ...
- Some prefixes. ...
- For clarity.
How do you know when to use a hyphen?
The Hyphen
- Use a hyphen at the end of a line to divide a word where there is not enough space for the whole word. ...
- Use a hyphen to indicate a word spelled out letter by letter. ...
- Use a hyphen to join two or more words to form compound adjectives that precede a noun. ...
- Use a hyphen to avoid awkward doubling of vowels.
