“Well-known” or “Well known| Rules & Best Practice

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Hyphenated words frequently appear in the English language, and mastering their usage early on can be quite beneficial while learning.

Many writers struggle with when to use the hyphen, but the rules are straightforward. If the phrase comes before a noun and acts as a compound adjective, it should be hyphenated. However, if it follows the noun or stands alone, no hyphen is needed. In this guide, we’ll break down the best practices for using “well-known” or “well known” correctly.

Well-Known or Well Known – Hyphenated or Not?

The “well-known” hyphen rule applies when the phrase is used to modify a noun or object in a sentence. In contrast, “well known” is used without a hyphen when it functions as a standalone phrase and does not modify a noun.

Examples of When to Use “Well-Known”

We’ve explained the difference between “well-known” and “well known,” so now let’s see how these rules apply in practice. Here are a few examples to illustrate how “well-known” is used:

• I am a well-known celebrity.
• I’m from a well-known country.
• You are a well-known lawyer.
• Are there any well-known farmers?
• I wish I were a well-known person.
• She is a well-known actress in Hollywood.
• This city is home to a well-known museum.
• He became a well-known author after publishing his latest book.
• The well-known politician gave a speech last night.
• They visited a well-known restaurant in New York.
• His invention is a well-known breakthrough in technology.
• The company hired a well-known marketing expert.
• It’s a well-known fact that exercise improves health.
• She grew up in a well-known neighborhood.
• The film features several well-known actors.
• He works for a well-known law firm.
• That brand is well-known for its quality.
• The well-known artist has an exhibition in Paris.
• She gave a lecture at a well-known university.
• The concert will feature a well-known band from the 90s.

In these examples, “well-known” is hyphenated because it modifies the noun (celebrity, country, lawyer, etc.).

Examples of When to Use “Well Known”

On the other hand, we use “well known” without a hyphen when it does not modify a noun, often appearing at the end of a clause. Let’s look at some examples:

• You are well known.
• This school is well known.
• We are well known.
• You couldn’t be more well known if you tried.
• This information is well known.
• This author is well known for his science fiction novels.
• The restaurant is well known in the area.
• His generosity is well known among his friends.
• The company’s name is well known across the industry.
• That song is well known by music lovers.
• She is well known for her charitable work.
• The beach is well known for its crystal-clear water.
• This fact is well known in academic circles.
• Their product is well known for its durability.
• The city is well known as a tourist destination.
• This phenomenon is well known in physics.
• He is well known for his leadership skills.
• The mountain trail is well known to hikers.
• Her expertise is well known in the medical community.
• The problem is well known to everyone involved.

Here, “well known” is used as a phrase on its own and isn’t directly modifying any nouns, so it is not hyphenated.

Is “Well-Known” Hyphenated in AP Style?

The AP Stylebook provides clear guidance on hyphenation. According to the AP Stylebook, hyphens act as “joiners” that connect closely linked words to help the reader comprehend the meaning. When the linked words are used as an adjective to modify a noun or object, the hyphen is necessary (e.g., “well-known”). If the words are not modifying a noun, they are treated as a phrase without a hyphen (e.g., “well known”).

Examples

• The well-known actor attended the award ceremony.
• She is a well-known figure in the fashion industry.
• He delivered a speech at the well-known university.
• The book was written by a well-known journalist.
• They dined at a well-known restaurant in Paris.
• The company hired a well-known consultant to improve its performance.
• The well-known CEO resigned from his position.
• This brand is well-known for its innovative products.
• A well-known author is coming to town for a book signing.
• The well-known athlete endorsed the new sports gear.
• It’s a well-known fact that proper diet and exercise are important.
• The museum features works by well-known artists.
• She collaborated with a well-known director on the film.
• The well-known scientist made groundbreaking discoveries in biology.
• A well-known politician visited the local community.

Should I Capitalize “Known” in “Well-Known”?

Apart from the hyphenation rules, you also need to be aware of capitalization rules when writing titles. The rules differ based on the style of capitalization you choose for your title. Here are three common approaches:

• Capitalize only the first word and any proper nouns: In this case, you wouldn’t capitalize “known.” The only time “well” would be capitalized is if it appears as the first word in the title.
  Example: “Well-known Figures in History”
• Capitalize all words except for short prepositions, conjunctions, and articles: In this case, “well” would be capitalized, but “known” would remain lowercase.
  Example: “The Well-known Authors of the 20th Century”
• Capitalize every word: Both “well” and “known” are capitalized in this case.
  Example: “Well-Known People Across the Globe”

Alternatives to “Well-Known”

If you’re having trouble with the hyphenation rules or just want to expand your vocabulary, you can use alternative words. Here are a few synonyms for “well-known”:

• Familiar
• Famous
• Popular
• Conventional
• Established

Quiz – Well-Known or Well Known?

Now that we’ve covered the rules, it’s time to test your understanding! Try to choose the correct form in the following sentences:

• He is a (A. well-known / B. well known) individual.
• All celebrities are (A. well-known / B. well known) in their circles.
• I go to a (A. well-known / B. well known) college.
• She has a (A. well-known / B. well known) boyfriend.
• They say he’s quite (A. well-known / B. well known).

Quiz Answers:

• A
• B
• A
• A
• B

FAQs

Is “Well-Known” Hyphenated?

Yes, “well-known” is hyphenated when it functions as an adjective to modify a noun. For instance, in “a well-known scientist,” the hyphen shows that the two words work together to describe the noun “scientist.” Without the hyphen, the reader might misinterpret the relationship between the words. In formal and professional writing, following this rule makes your writing more precise and easier to understand. Remember, hyphenation is not a stylistic choice but a grammatical rule when modifying nouns.

When do you use “well known” without a hyphen?

You use “well known” without a hyphen when it functions as a predicate adjective or when it’s not directly modifying a noun. For example, “He is well known in the industry” uses the phrase as a standalone description after a verb, so no hyphen is necessary. This rule typically applies when the phrase appears at the end of a sentence or clause. The lack of a hyphen signals to the reader that these words form a complete phrase, not a direct modifier. Avoiding the hyphen here keeps the meaning clear.

Is “well-known” always hyphenated in AP Style?

Yes, in AP Style, “well-known” is always hyphenated when it is used to modify a noun. This is a strict rule in AP Style to ensure clarity, especially in journalism, where word economy and precision are crucial. For example, “a well-known issue” uses the hyphen to avoid any confusion about what the adjective is describing. The hyphen acts as a connector, allowing both words to work together as a single description. If it’s not modifying a noun, however, the hyphen is dropped.

Do you capitalize both words in “well-known” in titles?

The capitalization of “well-known” in titles depends on the style guide you are following. In APA style, for instance, you would only capitalize “Well”, while in title case capitalization, both “Well” and “Known” may be capitalized: “Well-Known Figures”. Title capitalization rules vary, but it’s important to remain consistent with your choice. Capitalizing both words, or just the first word, hinges on whether you treat “well-known” as a proper part of the title. This can also depend on the specific editorial style you are adhering to.

What’s a common mistake with “well-known”?

A common mistake is using “well-known” without a hyphen when it’s supposed to modify a noun, which can cause confusion. For example, writing “a well known author” without the hyphen can make the sentence awkward and unclear. The hyphen ties the words together, ensuring the reader understands they are part of the same description. In more formal writing, this mistake can be seen as a lack of attention to detail, which can affect credibility. Learning to spot this error can improve the clarity and flow of your writing.

Can you use “well known” at the start of a sentence?

Yes, you can start a sentence with “well known”, but whether it is hyphenated depends on its use as an adjective or a standalone phrase. If it modifies a noun, as in “Well-known authors attended the event,” it needs a hyphen. If it stands alone, as in “Well known, she was highly respected,” no hyphen is required. This distinction can subtly affect the reader’s understanding, especially in complex or nuanced writing. The placement of “well known” in a sentence can also impact tone and emphasis.

Are there synonyms for “well-known”?

Yes, there are many synonyms for “well-known” that can vary depending on context, such as famous, renowned, celebrated, and eminent. These alternatives can help diversify your writing while maintaining the same meaning. Each synonym carries slightly different connotations; for instance, “famous” often implies widespread recognition, while “renowned” suggests respect in a particular field. Choosing the right synonym depends on the tone and style of your writing, especially if you’re avoiding potential overuse of “well-known.”

Final words

In conclusion, understanding when to use “well-known” versus “well known” hinges on whether the phrase is modifying a noun directly. When it comes before a noun, such as in “a well-known author,” the hyphen is necessary to form a compound adjective. On the other hand, when it stands alone or follows the noun, as in “the author is well known,” no hyphen is required. Following these hyphenation rules will help you write clearly and correctly. With these best practices in mind, you’ll confidently know when to hyphenate and when to leave the phrase unhyphenated.