When you are describing something or someone that is familiar or has fame, do you write well known or well-known? Is it with a hyphen or without?
You add a hyphen and write well-known if it comes right before the noun it describes.
You write it as well known if it follows the noun it’s describing.
It’s that simple. Neither form is wrong; how you use the phrase determines whether a hyphen is needed.
Well Known or Well-Known? Which is Correct?
Both “well known“ and “well-known“ are correct. The correct form depends on usage in a sentence.
Usually, you use “well-known” with a hyphen right before a noun, and “well known” without a hyphen after a noun.
One example of each:
- You admire a well-known artist for their work.
- The artist you admire is well known.
Well Known: Meaning and Usage
Well known as two separate words is an adjective phrase that is used after the noun it describes.
- Example: The musician is well known for his jazz compositions.
When you put the phrase after the noun, it’s like saying that a lot of people recognize it.
So, use “well known” if you’re talking about something or someone that’s famous or familiar, but you’re putting that description after the noun.
Well-Known: Meaning and Usage
Well-known with a hyphen is an adjective you use right before a noun. It works as one word that means famous or recognized by many.
- Example: She read a book by a well-known author.
When you’re using “well-known” before a noun, you’re typically stating that the noun(a person, a book, etc) has a widespread name. In this sense, well-known represents the quality of being famous.
Examples of Using “Well Known“ in A Sentence
“The restaurant is well known for its delicious pasta.”
“The actress is well known for her role in the hit TV series.”
“The company is well known for its innovative technology products.”
“The park is well known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees.”
“She is well known for her dedication to animal rights.”
Examples of Using “Well-Known“ in A Sentence
“I recently visited a well-known museum in New York.”
“She is a well-known author of children’s books.”
“We attended a concert by a well-known band.”
“He was treated by a well-known doctor in the field of cardiology.”
“I bought a dress from a well-known designer.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ‘well-known’ considered an adjective, and if so, how is it used?
Yes, ‘well-known’ is used as a compound adjective. When ‘well’ precedes an adjective and the combination modifies a noun, a hyphen is typically used, as in, “She is a well-known author.”
What is the rule for hyphenating phrases like ‘well known’ in English?
The hyphenation rule for phrases like ‘well known’ requires that when they come before a noun they modify, they should be hyphenated to form a compound adjective. However, if the phrase follows the noun, it is not hyphenated: “The actor is well known.”
Is ‘wellknown’ written as a single word correct?
The single word ‘wellknown’ is not a standard form and would be considered an error in English grammar.
