AmE vs. BrE English style for using hyphen as a punctuation mark

[Pooya]

I have heard that using hyphen is more prevalent in BrE English, but I also saw many texts from
Americans who used it, e.g., though-provoking, non-native, etc. Nonetheless, I have two questions.

First, have I heard something true about the prevalence?

Second, are there any rules for distinguishing nationality of authors only based on usage of hyphen in their texts?


Thanks!
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P.S.: If there is any problem in my text above, please mention that, too.

[Barb_D]

I have not seen it suggested that the American use is different. Use a hyphen to join the words that act together to modify a noun.

His response was thought provoking.
He gave a thought-provoking response.

She attends school part time.
She is a part-time student.

If BrE use is different, I will be interested to know that too.

[5jj]

If BrE use is different, I will be interested to know that too.

It's similar in your examples, but in general "The rules about hyphens are complicated, and usage is not very clear. [...] If one is not sure whether to use a hyphen or not, the best thing is to look in a dictionary". Michael Swan (2005.550), Practical English Usage (3rd edn), Oxford: OUP.

[Barb_D]

I agree. For non-modifying situations (look, there was one), choose one dictionary and stick with it.

[Pooya]

First of all, thanks for replying.
Then, your comments are right, but we are not allowed to use a dictionary for a written examination.
Therefore, it is a need to have some fundamental knowledge about different things.
Besides, whole of a writing (an essay) must be unified in BrE or AmE style, and mixing them is not appropriated.
Altogether, I wanted to know some information to keep my writing style unified.

[5jj]

Here is some BrE guidance.

[Barb_D]

And here is some American guidance. There is not a lot of difference.
Purdue OWL: Hyphens