Hyphens in compound modifiers
What do you think should be done if the noun the phrase is modifying is only implied? For instance:
You'll be finding out how to apply this plan to your day-to-day.
The implied noun that "day-to-day" is modifying is "work" or "job." Would you leave the hyphens in, or change it to:
You'll be finding out how to apply this plan to your day to day.
I realize that this whole issue could be avoided if I added the noun or rearranged the sentence. Please pretend like those are not options.
Thanks!
3 answers 
There is, in fact, a rule that covers this. The Chicago Manual of Style (16th edition, 2010, University of Chicago Press) expresses it best at 7.77: "The first place to look for answers is the dictionary."
In other words, before you apply the other rules for compound adjectives, check the dictionary. CMoS recommends Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, which -- in turn -- shows day-to-day as an always hyphenated compound adjective. With that information in hand, there is no need to apply the rules about whether the compound comes before or after the noun.
I hope this helps.
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answered Dec 05 '12 at 02:52
Jeff Pribyl
Grammarly Fellow
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I would use the hyphens. With the noun implied, there would seem to be more reason to tie the words together. I'd like to see what others say on this.
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answered Dec 04 '12 at 22:56
Lewis Neidhardt
Expert
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Thanks!
add commentI agree with Lewis, Holly. Keeping the hyphens in seems to make it more clear that there is another word implied. Without the hyphens, it's a bit confusing.
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answered Dec 05 '12 at 01:43
Patty T
Grammarly Fellow
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