It’s just one little hyphen, but when it comes to color combinations, figuring out whether it’s needed or not can give a copy editor fits. Read through these steps to find the answer.
1. Is the color listed in Webster’s 11th?
YES: Treat it that way in all uses. NO: Read on to No. 2.
2. Is it a two-color combination (such as “blue-green” or “orange-red”)?
YES: Hyphenate in all uses. NO: Read on to No. 3.
3. Is the color used as a noun or an adverb, with one part modifying the other, such as in the following sentences?
Stitch the outline in lime green.
The sun shone yellowish red in the evening sky.
YES: Don’t hyphenate. NO: Read on to No. 4.
4. Is the color used as a compound adjective before a noun, such as in the
following sentences?
Stitch the outline on the lime-green pillow.
The cherry-red chair creates a bright focal point.
The yellowish-red sun shone in the evening sky.
YES: Hyphenate. NO: Read on to No. 5.
5. Is the color combination used as a compound adjective after a noun, such as in the following sentences?
The pillow is lime green.
The chair is cherry red.
The sky appeared a brilliant yellowish red.
YES: In general, leave as two words unless hyphenation is deemed necessary for clarity.
6. In all other uses, apply standard rules of SIM style and grammar.
Colors listed as two words in Webster’s 11th are never hyphenated. Examples:
• baby blue
• brick red
• forest green
• hunter green
• lemon yellow
• navy blue
• pea green
• powder blue
• royal blue, royal purple
• sea green
• sky blue
• teal blue
Colors hyphenated in Webster’s 11th appear that way in all uses. Examples:
• fire-engine red
• jet-black
• nut-brown
Colors and hyphens, SR7.1
Products and project instructions, SR7.2
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