Writing - Using Hyphens Correctly (Part 8)

Here is the final, but perhaps most important installment of hyphen usage. This last rule is probably the one that you'll use the most often.

Rule: Use a hyphen to join two or more words serving as a single adjective before a noun.
*** Notice the part that says "before a noun." That's the key to this rule!

Examples:
Mr. Moore loves chocolate-covered peanuts.
(The term "chocolate-covered" is acting as a single adjective and is describing the noun, "peanuts.")

James Patterson is a well-known author.
(The term "well-known" is acting as a single adjective and is describing the noun, "author.")

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If, however, the compound modifiers come after a noun, they are not hyphenated.

The peanuts were chocolate covered.
The author was well known.


What do you think of this final rule on using hyphens? It may seem a little confusing to use a hyphen when the adjective comes before the noun and not when it comes after it. But I bet with some practice, it won't be too bad! Do you agree?