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 in a sentence?

Back

A dash can be used to interrupt sentence structure, set off parenthetical information, or indicate a sudden change in thought.

Front

How does a dash function like parentheses?

Back

A pair of dashes can enclose additional information in a sentence, similar to how parentheses would.

Front

What is the difference between a dash and a hyphen?

Back

A dash (—) is longer and used for breaks in thought, while a hyphen (-) is shorter and used to connect words or parts of words.

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, but it adds a more dramatic pause.

Front

What is an example of using a dash to create emphasis?

Back

In the sentence 'She was the best—no one could argue with that,' the dash emphasizes the statement.

Front

Where should the dash be placed in the sentence: 'The concert which was sold out was amazing.'

Back

The correct placement is: 'The concert— which was sold out— was amazing.'

Front

What is the correct punctuation for the sentence: 'My brother a talented musician plays guitar.'

Back

The correct punctuation is: 'My brother—a talented musician—plays guitar.'

Front

What is the function of a dash in the sentence: 'I have three favorite colors—blue, green, and red.'

Back

The dash introduces the list of favorite colors.

Front

When is it appropriate to use no dashes in a sentence?

Back

Use no dashes when the sentence is clear and does not require additional emphasis or interruption.