Using hyphens

Hyphens provide clarity and avoid ambiguity. The decision about whether or not to use a hyphen is often based on the context.

Use hyphens:

if the following word starts with the same vowel (de-emphasise)
However, some double vowel usages (coordinate and cooperate) have now become accepted. You can also use a hyphen if the word following has a different vowel but would look and sound odd (de-ice not deice).
to clarify meaning
A hyphen is used to distinguish new words from established words with different meanings (re-cover and recover). Hyphens are used with recent formations of words (co-writer and e-commerce), whether or not the following word starts with a vowel. Many e-words have already dropped the hyphen (e-mail is now email).
with words that are often used together (bitter-sweet, mother-in-law, part-time)
with compound words
A compound word consists of two or more words that together carry a new meaning. Often they start as two words, then are hyphenated and finally become one word (take over, take-over, takeover).
with two or more words that describe the noun that follows (long-term plan). However, you do not use a hyphen if the same words do not precede a noun (in the long term).

Many writers use hyphens inconsistently within the same document (web site, website, web-site; proof read, proofread, proof-read).

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