"In Person" vs "In-Person": When to Use the Hyphen?
Learn when to use 'in person' vs 'in-person' correctly. Understand how hyphenation changes based on position in a sentence, with clear examples
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.
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