Posted by: Ivy Wigmore adjectival phrases, Business writing,
CIO, hyphenation |Which is correct? A limited number of hard
copies are available; you can pick them up on a _______________
basis. Explanation: In this context, the phrase is an adjective
modifying “basis” so we hyphenate. As a standalone sentence, the
phrase uses the other form: A limited number of hard copies are
available. First come, first served.