Typophile

Quick Grammar Question

Mike Diaz

Do you write?:

detail-oriented

or just

detail oriented

I’m doing a resume and I’m not sure about this detail.

Mikey :-)

...

It's detail-oriented. Detail oriented might lead to confusing modifiers (thus, ambiguity) in the sentence.

thank you!!!!

No problem. I was surprised that it took so long for anyone to actually answer your inquiry.

Actually, the answer isn't quite right. Multiple adjectives before a noun are hyphenated:

This is my long-range rifle.

If they are put after the noun, no hyphen:

This is the rifle I shoot at long range.

BTW, everyone is detail oriented. What's important is what details they are interested in. Only a certified compulsive is interested in all of them. Most companies don't hire *certified* compulsives.

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