Dashes, hyphens, colons, and semicolons

Front

What is a hyphen?

Back

A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark used to join words or parts of words, such as in compound words (e.g., well-known) or to indicate a word break at the end of a line.

Front

When should a dash be used?

Back

A dash (—) is used to create emphasis, indicate a break in thought, or set off additional information in a sentence.

Front

What is the function of a colon?

Back

A colon (:) is used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation that follows.

Front

What is a semicolon?

Back

A semicolon (;) is used to connect closely related independent clauses or to separate items in a complex list.

Front

Provide an example of a hyphen in a sentence.

Back

The well-known author gave a lecture.

Front

Provide an example of a dash in a sentence.

Back

I have three pets—two dogs and a cat.

Front

Provide an example of a colon in a sentence.

Back

She had one goal: to win the championship.

Front

Provide an example of a semicolon in a sentence.

Back

I wanted to go for a walk; however, it started to rain.

Front

What punctuation is used in the phrase 'no offense'?

Back

No punctuation is used in the phrase 'no offense'.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence that contrasts two ideas?

Back

You can use a dash to emphasize the contrast, e.g., 'One careless match can start a forest fire—it takes me a whole box to start a campfire sometimes.'