Hello Paul,

Yes, I understand you completely now. It makes one wonder why this hyphen is still used at all now that you have explained what function it serves. As you said, I suppose it is just habit to join these terms together. They just seem disconnected without the hyphen.


Thanks again,

Stu.

The adverb very and adverbs ending in -ly are not hyphenated in US English when followed by an adjective, participle, etc.

Incorrect: the very-elegant watch.
The watch was very elegant. (OK)
The very elegant watch was a knock-off. (OK)

Incorrect: the finely-tuned watch.
The finely tuned watch. (OK)
The watch is finely tuned. (OK)