The Grammar Doctor

Q. Should the term "closely held" be hyphenated or not hyphenated? (Example: A closely-held corporation)

A. "Closely held" is not hyphenated. Normally, compound adjective that come before the noun are hyphenated; for example, well-known artist or long-remembered injury.

However, if the compound adjective is made up of an adverb ending in -ly and a participle (such as closely held), it is not hyphenated.


Back to The Grammar Doctor Answers Your Question