Final answer:
Hyphenate a preposition to a verb if they are dependent on each other and convey a single idea, forming a compound word. Hyphens clarify how words function as modifiers and are important in understanding sentence context. The correct answer is option 2).
Step-by-step explanation:
You should hyphenate a preposition to a verb when the verb and the preposition are dependent on each other and convey a single idea. A hyphen is used to join words together to function as a single modifier or when forming compound words that convey a meaning different from the individual words alone. For example, 'check-in' in 'You need to check-in at the front desk' is a compound noun formed by the hyphenated verb 'check' and preposition 'in' that conveys a specific idea of registering upon arrival.
Prepositional phrases, such as 'on Thursday' or 'through a snow drift', function as adverbials modifying the verb, and typically do not need hyphenation unless they precede and modify a noun as a single unit. Independent and dependent clauses as well as prepositional phrases and their functions are critical to understand when applying rules of punctuation, such as the use of hyphens.
Remember to identify prepositions and prepositional phrases as they can help you determine if a hyphen is necessary, and they provide essential context within sentences. Avoid overuse of hyphens unless they add clarity and are grammatically required.