dash and hyphen

Front

What is a dash?

Back

A dash is a punctuation mark (—) used to indicate a break in thought or to set off additional information.

Front

What is a hyphen?

Back

A hyphen is a punctuation mark (-) used to join words or parts of words together, such as in compound words.

Front

What is the function of a dash in a sentence?

Back

A dash can indicate a dramatic pause, an afterthought, or additional information.

Front

How does a dash differ from a comma?

Back

A dash creates a stronger break in thought than a comma and can emphasize the information that follows.

Front

What is an example of a dash used for a dramatic pause?

Back

"I was going to tell you something important—but I forgot."

Front

What is an example of a dash used for additional information?

Back

"The conference was a success—many people attended and learned a lot."

Front

What is an example of a dash used for an afterthought?

Back

"She loves to read—especially mystery novels."

Front

When should you use a hyphen?

Back

Use a hyphen to connect two words that work together as a single idea, like in 'well-known'.

Front

What is an example of a hyphen in a compound word?

Back

"Mother-in-law" is an example of a compound word that uses hyphens.

Front

Can a dash replace a comma?

Back

Yes, a dash can replace a comma for emphasis or to create a stronger pause.