Ever found yourself pausing before typing out well written or well-written? Is it more appropriate to use well written or well-written? Are they interchangeable?
Both well written and well-written are used to describe something that is written with skill. But there’s a simple rule to help you decide which one to use when.
If the phrase is directly followed by a noun, such as a book or a report, you should use ‘well-written’.
If there’s no specific noun immediately following it, then write the phrase as two separate words: ‘well written’.
Well Written or Well-Written? Which is Correct?
Both “well written“ and “well-written“ are correct. It all depends on where in the sentence you’re using the phrase.
When this phrase comes before a noun, the correct form is ‘well-written’, because in this case it acts as an adjective. If it comes after the noun it describes, you would use “well written.”
Here are some examples to make it clearer:
- Well-written:
- “This is a well-written article.”
- “They praised his well-written speech.”
- Well written:
- “The article was well written.”
- “His speech was considered well written by the audience.”
Can Well-Written and Well Written be Used Interchangeably?
No, “well written” and “well-written” are not interchangeable.
The hyphen in “well-written” is important and changes where the phrase can be positioned in a sentence.
“Well-written” with a hyphen is used before a noun, while “well written” without a hyphen is typically used after a noun.
Well Written: Meaning and Usage
When you say something is “well written,” you’re talking about a piece of text that’s been put together really well. It’s clear, easy to understand, and keeps the reader interested because it’s structured nicely and uses good language.
So, when you call a work “well written,” you’re essentially giving it a thumbs-up for its quality.
When to Use ‘Well Written’
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The term “well written” without a hyphen is used when it comes after the noun it describes.
For example,
- “The essay is well written.”
Well-Written: Meaning and Usage
“Well-written” means that something is written really well too. But when you see it with a hyphen, it’s usually used as an adjective right before a noun. For instance, if you read a book that totally captivated you, you might tell others it’s a “well-written book.”
For example,
- “This is a well-written essay.”
Most writing style guides, like the Chicago Manual of Style, suggest these rules to keep things clear. Use a hyphen with compound words when they’re in front of the noun they’re describing, but split them into separate words if they’re after the noun.
Examples of Using “Well Written“ in A Sentence
“The report you submitted was well written and informative.”
“His assignment was so well written that it earned him an A+.”
“The novel she recommended was indeed well written.”
“The speech he delivered at the conference was well written.“
“Her thesis was well written, with clear arguments and solid evidence.”
Examples of Using “Well-Written“ in A Sentence
“I just finished reading a well-written book on history.”
“This is a well-written report on the company’s financial status.”
“The well-written article in the magazine caught my attention.”
“I was impressed by the well-written summary of the project.”
“The well-written script made the play a big hit.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning and proper usage of ‘well-written’ in context?
“Well-written” is a term you use when something, typically a piece of writing, is done really well, clear, and grabs your attention. When it comes to using it correctly, you should add a hyphen to “well-written” when it’s used as a adjective for a noun, like in “a well-written essay.”
What are some of the other ways to say Well-Written?
When you’re seeking to praise a piece of writing, you can use terms like “Insightful”, “Cohesive” or “Compelling”. These synonyms allow you to convey more precisely the particular strengths of a piece of writing.
Does the phrase ‘well done’ require a hyphen in any context?
The phrase “well done” is generally not hyphenated. It’s used as an exclamation to praise someone for performing a task successfully. However, in certain cases where “well-done” functions as a compound adjective before a noun, such as “a well-done steak,” it may be hyphenated.
