When using hyphens, what is a correct application?

Using hyphens to form compound adjectives is a correct application because compound adjectives are two or more words that work together to modify a noun. The hyphen clarifies that the words combined function as a single descriptor, avoiding any potential confusion. For example, in the phrase "well-known author," the hyphen between "well" and "known" indicates that the two words together modify "author," rather than suggesting that "well" modifies "known."

In contrast, other applications associated with hyphen use, such as joining sentences or indicating a pause in thought, do not correctly involve hyphens. Simple conjunctions or punctuation marks (like a period or semicolon) are typically used to join sentences, while commas or dashes may indicate pauses. Separating adverb clauses primarily relies on commas, rather than hyphens. Therefore, using hyphens to form compound adjectives is the appropriate and conventional method in this context.