"that was a badly written report" vs "That was a badly-written report."

Question

"that was a badly written report" vs "That was a badly-written report."

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. The first phrase 'that was a badly-written report' uses a hyphen to connect 'badly' and 'written' because they function together as an adjective to describe 'report'. The second phrase 'that was a badly written report' separates 'badly' and 'written' because 'badly' modifies 'written' directly. Both forms are commonly used in English.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

This phrase is used when 'badly' modifies the verb 'written' directly, without the need for a hyphen. 'Badly' describes the manner in which the report was written.

Examples:

She sings beautifully.
He writes well.
They work hard.
She speaks fluently.
He plays the piano skillfully.

Alternatives:

that was a poorly written report.
that was a badly crafted report.
that was a badly prepared report.
that was a badly composed report.
that was a badly structured report.

This phrase is used when 'badly' and 'written' together modify the noun 'report'. The hyphen is used to show that 'badly' and 'written' work together as a single adjective.

Examples:

She handed in a well-thought-out proposal.
He is a well-known actor.
It was a much-needed break.
She is a kind-hearted person.
He is a hard-working student.

Alternatives:

that was a poorly written report.
that was a badly crafted report.
that was a badly prepared report.
that was a badly composed report.
that was a badly structured report.

Answer 1

that was a badly written report

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. 'Badly' directly modifies 'written' without the need for a hyphen because 'badly' is an adverb describing how the report was written.

Answer 2

That was a badly-written report.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. The hyphen connects 'badly' and 'written' because they function together as an adjective to describe 'report'.

"that was a badly written report" vs "That was a badly-written report."

that was a badly written report

That was a badly-written report.

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