“If you plan to stay in the game for the long haul, you’d better know whether that hyphen belongs there or not.”
Introduction: One Tiny Hyphen, One Big Mistake
You’re typing away — maybe it’s an email to your boss or a caption for your next blog post — and you hesitate.
Do I write “long term goal” or “long-term goal”?
That pause isn’t just about grammar — it’s about clarity, credibility, and even professionalism. Believe it or not, the wrong use of a hyphen can make your sentence sound awkward, or worse, confusing. And if you’re writing for business, marketing, academia, or publishing, those tiny details can make or break the message.
Let’s break it down once and for all.
What’s the Difference Between “Long Term” and “Long-Term”?
At first glance, these two look nearly identical. But here’s the truth:
| Form | Part of Speech | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| long-term | Compound adjective | Before a noun | We need a long-term strategy. |
| long term | Noun phrase | When not directly modifying a noun | He’s investing for the long term. |
“Long-term” is a compound adjective — a pair of words joined by a hyphen to describe a noun.
“Long term” is a noun phrase — a standalone object referring to an extended period.
Think of it like this:
If it answers “what kind?” → add the hyphen.
The Golden Rule of Hyphenation
Rule:
Use “long-term” when you’re describing something.
Use “long term” when it’s the subject or object of your sentence.
Correct Examples:
- She’s considering a long-term lease. ✅
- He’s saving for the long term. ✅
Incorrect Examples
- She’s considering a long term lease. ❌
- He’s saving for the long-term. ❌ (unless followed by a noun)
Why It Matters: Grammar, Credibility, and Clarity
Misusing a hyphen might seem minor — but it signals to readers that your grammar isn’t polished. That can impact:
- Business writing: Contracts, emails, and proposals lose precision.
- Academic work: Marked down for grammatical inconsistency.
- Web writing: SEO tools pick up on incorrect usage and drop your readability score.
For example, Grammarly and Hemingway App both flag incorrect compound adjectives.
Using the correct form shows you’re not just writing — you’re writing right.
Real-World Examples in Action
Let’s see both versions of the term used across different contexts.
In Business:
- We need a long-term marketing strategy.
- Our investors are focused on the long term.
🧬 In Health:
- The patient requires long-term care.
- These symptoms may last into the long term.
📰 In Journalism:
- ✅ The city faces long-term infrastructure challenges.
- ✅ Officials are preparing for the long term recovery.
Notice the pattern? Hyphen = before a noun. No hyphen = stands alone.
The Hyphen Trick You’ll Never Forget
Here’s the shortcut:
“If it comes before a noun, hyphen it. If not, skip it.”
Try it with these:
| Phrase | Before Noun? | Hyphen? | Correct Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| ___ plan | Yes | Yes | long-term plan |
| ___ investment | Yes | Yes | long-term investment |
| invest for the ___ | No | No | long term |
| see results in the ___ | No | No | long term |
Keep this test handy. It works almost every time.
Similar Pairs That Follow the Same Rule
Understanding this rule also helps with other compound adjectives.
| Word Pair | Adjective Form | Noun Form |
|---|---|---|
| short-term | short-term loan | the short term |
| high-risk | high-risk investment | at high risk |
| full-time | full-time job | working full time |
| part-time | part-time hours | studying part time |
These follow the same logic as long-term vs. long term.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s fix some of the most common errors:
1: Forgetting the Hyphen
She’s making a long term decision.
She’s making a long-term decision.
2: Adding a Hyphen When It Stands Alone
He wants to stay for the long-term.
He wants to stay for the long term.
3: Using “longterm” (one word)
We need a longterm approach.
We need a long-term approach. (Never write “longterm” as one word)
Which Style Guides Agree?
Major style guides, including:
- APA
- Chicago Manual of Style
- AP Stylebook
- Oxford Style Manual
All agree: Hyphenate “long-term” when it’s a compound adjective.
However, always follow house style if you’re writing for a publication, company, or academic journal — some tweak the rules slightly.
Best Grammar Tools to Keep You on Track
Here are a few language tools that catch hyphen errors and more:
| Tool | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Grammarly | Real-time grammar checking, including compound words | grammarly.com |
| Hemingway App | Highlights complex sentences and readability | hemingwayapp.com |
| ProWritingAid | Deep writing analytics and grammar checking | prowritingaid.com |
These tools flag misused hyphens and offer explanations so you learn as you go.
Download: Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (Optional)
Want a printable version of this rule with examples?
Click here to download the free “Long-Term vs. Long Term” cheat sheet (PDF)
Use it whenever you’re writing reports, emails, or social media posts.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Confusion
Q: Is “longterm” ever correct?
A: No. Always write it as two words, or hyphenate if it’s an adjective.
Q: What about British English?
A: Same rules apply — although some style guides might vary slightly in hyphen usage, most UK editors still use “long-term” as the adjective.
Q: Can you start a sentence with “Long-term”?
A: Yes — if followed by a noun. “Long-term planning is essential.”
Final Thoughts: Small Hyphen, Big Impact
The difference between “long term” and “long-term” might seem small, but it’s a perfect example of how good grammar sharpens your message. Whether you’re writing a blog, a financial report, or a simple text, getting it right shows you care about precision.
So next time you type “long term,” stop for a second.
Ask yourself: Is it describing something?
If yes — pop that hyphen in.
Want More Writing Tips Like This?
Explore more word choices and grammar dilemmas at VocabClarifed.com and never second-guess your writing again.