"In Person" vs "In-Person": When to Use the Hyphen?

Wondering whether you should write "in person" or "in-person"? The difference comes down to how you're using it in a sentence. Let's clear up this common confusion once and for all.

Key Differences Between "In Person" and "In-Person"

The main rule is simple:

In-person (with hyphen): Use when it modifies a noun (acts as an adjective)
In person (no hyphen): Use when it functions as an adverbial phrase

When to Use "In-Person"

Use the hyphenated form "in-person" when it comes before the noun it describes:

"We scheduled an in-person meeting"
"The store offers in-person shopping"
"I prefer in-person learning"

When to Use "In Person"

Use two separate words "in person" when it comes after a verb or at the end of a sentence:

"I'd like to meet in person"
"The class is taught in person"
"We decided to shop in person"

Examples in Use

Correct Usage	Example	Explanation
In-person (hyphenated)	We attended an in-person conference.	Modifies "conference"
In-person (hyphenated)	The in-person interview went well.	Modifies "interview"
In person (no hyphen)	The doctor will see you in person.	Follows the verb
In person (no hyphen)	I prefer to shop in person.	Acts as an adverb

Quick Tips to Remember

Before a noun? Use a hyphen: "in-person"
After a verb? Skip the hyphen: "in person"
Could you replace it with "personally" or "physically"? Skip the hyphen
Describing what kind of something? Use a hyphen

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't use a hyphen when it comes after the verb
- ❌ "Let's meet in-person"
- ✅ "Let's meet in person"
Don't skip the hyphen when it modifies a noun
- ❌ "An in person meeting"
- ✅ "An in-person meeting"

FAQ About "In Person" vs "In-Person"

Q: Is it ever wrong to use the hyphen? A: Yes, using the hyphen after a verb is incorrect ("Let's talk in-person" should be "Let's talk in person").

Q: What about at the start of a sentence? A: The same rules apply - it depends on whether it's modifying a noun or not.

Q: Has COVID-19 affected the usage? A: While the term has become more common due to COVID-19, the grammatical rules remain the same.

Conclusion

Remember: When describing something (like an "in-person meeting"), use the hyphen. When describing how something is done (like "meeting in person"), skip the hyphen. This simple rule will keep your writing clear and correct.