Dashes

Front

What is a dash?

Back

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

Front

When should a dash be used instead of commas?

Back

A dash can be used instead of commas to create a stronger emphasis or to indicate an abrupt change in thought.

Front

What is the difference between a dash and a hyphen?

Back

A dash (—) is longer and is used to separate clauses or phrases, while a hyphen (-) is shorter and is used to connect words or parts of words.

Front

How do you use dashes to set off information?

Back

Dashes can be used to enclose additional information or an explanation within a sentence, similar to parentheses.

Front

What is an example of using a dash for emphasis?

Back

In the sentence 'She was the best player—no one could deny it,' the dash emphasizes the statement.

Front

Can a dash replace a colon?

Back

Yes, a dash can be used in place of a colon to introduce a list or explanation, often for added emphasis.

Front

What is the function of a pair of dashes?

Back

A pair of dashes acts like parentheses, enclosing information that is not essential to the main point of the sentence.

Front

When is it appropriate to use a dash in dialogue?

Back

Dashes can indicate interruptions or abrupt changes in thought in dialogue, e.g., 'I was going to say—'.

Front

What punctuation mark is often confused with a dash?

Back

The hyphen is often confused with a dash, but they serve different purposes in writing.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a dash?

Back

Place the dash before and after the information you want to set off, e.g., 'The concert—held in the park—was amazing.'