Fulltime or Full-time: Easy Guide to Pick the Right One

Have you witnessed another person typing “fulltime” and thought to yourself, is that correct? Or perhaps, you encountered “full-time” and thought, is that an improvement? While it is a minute issue, using full-time or fulltime is an essential aspect of smart and effective writing, which, if encroached on, can lead to a misunderstanding.

This guide aims to explain the use of fulltime and full-time so that understanding the application of the two will never be an issue. When composing a resume, a job application, or even an email, utilizing a specific version improves articulation and overall delivery of the message.

In summary, you will know when to use a hyphen, why certain terms have little preference in modern text and communication, and my personal favorite, why full-time is regarded as superior to fulltime. Let’s clear all the ambiguity once and for all!

What’s the Correct Form – Fulltime or Full-time?

Typed as one word, “fulltime” is only informal English and “full time” is acceptable, but “full-time” is considered correct in business contexts and documents. Writing “full-time” adds a professional touch to your work.

There is a possibility of coming across the word ‘fulltime’, but you will not find it in formal written structures, be it CVs or business reports. As far as written English is concerned, it is incorrect to use the unhyphenated fulltime.

The long answer is that there’s linguistic tradition associated with hyphenation that specifically pertains to words that are compound. Being able to break the meaning of the word into words gives it context that is easier to grasp as well as much more precise.

The Grammatical Function of “Full-time”

The key to understanding whether to hyphenate “full-time” lies in identifying how the term is used in a sentence.

1. As a Compound Adjective (Before a Noun)

When “full-time” describes a noun, it acts as a compound adjective and should always be hyphenated.

✅ She found a full-time job.
✅ He is a full-time employee.

This is standard grammar practice: compound adjectives modifying a noun are hyphenated to ensure clarity.

2. As a Noun or Adverb (After a Verb)

When “full time” appears after the verb (often describing a state), the hyphen is generally not required.

✅ She works full time.
✅ He transitioned to full time last year.

Here, full time acts as a noun phrase describing a condition rather than modifying a noun.

Full Time vs Full-time: When to Use Each Form

A common source of confusion is distinguishing when full-time is appropriate and when full time (unhyphenated) works better.

Usage	Correct Form	Example
As an adjective before a noun	Full-time	She has a full-time position.
As an adverb after a verb	Full time	He works full time now.
As part of a noun phrase	Full-time	We offer both full-time and part-time positions.
Industry Jargon (informal)	Fulltime (occasionally)	Fulltime workers get better benefits. (Not recommended in formal writing)

Rule of Thumb

Before a noun? Use a hyphen (full-time).
After a verb? No hyphen (full time).

Is Fulltime Ever Correct?

The term “fulltime” (one word) is technically incorrect in standard English. It’s often seen in:

Casual conversations (texting, internal notes)
Some job boards or classified ads
Abbreviated forms where space is limited

However, authoritative sources like Merriam-Webster, Oxford English Dictionary, and AP Stylebook do not recognize “fulltime” as a correct form in professional English.

Official Style Guides on Full-time

Style Guide	Recommendation
AP Stylebook	Always full-time as an adjective, full time as an adverb
Chicago Manual of Style	Full-time before nouns, full time after verbs
Merriam-Webster	Full-time listed, “fulltime” not listed

Full-time or Full Time: Key Grammar Rule Explained

Many writers, even professionals, get stuck choosing between full-time or full time in different contexts. This confusion stems from a lack of understanding of compound modifiers.

What is a Compound Modifier?

A compound modifier occurs when two or more words jointly describe a noun. In English grammar, these words should usually be hyphenated to avoid ambiguity.

✅ She has a full-time job.
❌ She has a full time job. (Incorrect)

Without the hyphen, the reader could misinterpret the meaning, especially in longer or more complex sentences.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even native speakers and professional writers make the following common errors:

1. Missing Hyphens in Adjectives

❌ We are hiring a full time manager. (Incorrect)
✅ We are hiring a full-time manager. (Correct)

2. Over-Hyphenating After Verbs

❌ She works full-time. (Incorrect in most cases)
✅ She works full time. (Correct)

3. Using Fulltime as a Single Word

❌ He’s looking for a fulltime position. (Incorrect)
✅ He’s looking for a full-time position. (Correct)

Real Examples from Job Boards and Resumes

From Job Boards

Correct: “We are hiring for lots of full-time jobs.”
Incorrect: “Looking for fulltime people to work from home.”
Correct: “You need to be ready for full-time work Monday to Friday.”
Correct: “Our company gives nice perks to all full-time workers.”
Incorrect: “Hiring fulltime and parttime workers to join us.”
Correct: “We have different schedules like full-time and part-time.”
Incorrect: “Come work now – fulltime customer service jobs open.”

From Resumes

Correct: “Job History: Full-time Office Helper“
Incorrect: “Job History: Fulltime Office Helper”
Correct: “Goal: Find a fun full-time job in management.”
Incorrect: “Goal: Find fulltime work at a great place.”
Correct: “Work Story: Full-time Marketing Helper, 2020-2023″
Correct: “Skills: Did lots of full-time work with teams.”
Incorrect: “About Me: Super hard worker with 5 years of fulltime jobs.”

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Scenario	Correct Form	Example
Before a noun	Full-time	Full-time employee
After a verb	Full time	Works full time
Casual use (avoid in formal)	Fulltime	Fulltime worker (informal, not recommended)

Final Thoughts

Understanding if you need to write full-time, full time, or fulltime helps your writing look clear and smart. When you talk about a job or person, always pick full-time before the noun. That little hyphen helps glue the words together and makes sure your readers understand exactly what you mean.

When you say someone works a lot, write full time with no hyphen. It’s a simple rule that makes your sentences right and easy to read.

And remember, even though some people use fulltime, it’s not the best choice for school papers, resumes, or work emails. Stick with full-time and full time to make your writing shine!