What is the main purpose of a hyphen in writing?

The main purpose of a hyphen in writing is to join words or separate syllables. Hyphens are commonly used to create compound adjectives (e.g., "well-known author"), link words that function together as a single concept, or divide words at the end of lines to maintain formatting. This function of the hyphen helps clarify meanings and ensure proper grammatical structure within sentences. It serves as a tool to convey specific information succinctly and without ambiguity, which is crucial in effective communication. Understanding this purpose aids in creating clearer and more readable text.