After so many years of not being clear on hyphenating after “ly” words, I have clarity, and I hope you will too after reading this. When I found this understandable explanation, I never hesitated again. Generally, hyphenate between two or more adjectives when they come before a noun and act as a single idea, as in these examples: Yes, add hyphen because the first word can also describe the noun Friendly-looking advisor – “friendly” modifies “looking” and is also (or can be used as) an adjective describing “advisor” Motherly-looking woman – “motherly” modifies “looking” and is also (or can be used as) an adjective describing “woman” No, don’t add hyphen because the “ly” word modifies the adje