Grammar Detective: Dashes

Choose the sentence that demonstrates the correct use of dashes.

• The Transcendentalists a group of New England writers included—Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller.

• The Transcendentalist—a group of New England writers—included Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller.

• The Transcendentalists–a group of New England writers–included Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Margaret Fuller.

Choose the sentence that demonstrates the correct use of dashes.

• Mars — the Roman god of war — is the equivalent of the Greek god Ares.

• Mars–the Roman god of war–is the equivalent of the Greek god Ares.

• Mars—the Roman god of war—is the equivalent of the Greek god Ares.

Choose the sentence that demonstrates the correct use of dashes.

• Although Michelangelo is best known for his painting—he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel from 1508–1512—he was also an accomplished poet.

• Although Michelangelo is best known for his painting–he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel from 1508—1512–he was also an accomplished poet.

• Although Michelangelo is best known for his painting — he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel from 1508–1512 — he was also an accomplished poet.

Choose the sentence that demonstrates the correct use of dashes.

• The plan for the new downtown arena—I can't wait to see it—will be unveiled tomorrow.

• The plan for the new downtown arena,—I can't wait to see it—,will be unveiled tomorrow.

• The plan for the new downtown arena, I can't wait to see it!—will be unveiled tomorrow.

Choose the sentence that demonstrates the correct use of dashes.

• Corporate wellness programs improve employee morale—And they reduce health insurance costs.

• Corporate wellness programs improve employee morale, —and they reduce health insurance costs.

• Corporate wellness programs improve employee morale—and they reduce health insurance costs.

Choose the sentence that demonstrates the correct use of dashes.

• The CEO wanted the wireless network installed—immediately—!

• The CEO wanted the wireless network installed—immediately!

• The CEO wanted the wireless network installed immediately—!

Choose the sentence that demonstrates the correct use of dashes.

• The teacher assigned pages 23–28 for homework—I hope I can get it done.

• The teacher assigned pages 23—28 for homework—I hope I can get it done.

• The teacher assigned pages 23–28 for homework, — I hope I can get it done.

Choose the sentence that demonstrates the correct use of dashes.

• We are planning to take the East–West train to Denver.

• We are planning to take the East-West train to Denver.

• We are planning to take the East—West train to Denver.

Choose the sentence that demonstrates the correct use of dashes.

• Our part-time employees work 20–30 hours per week.

• Our part–time employees work 20–30 hours per week.

• Our part-time employees work from 20–30 hours per week.

Choose the sentence that demonstrates the correct use of dashes.

• Homer eats between 60–75 donuts per month.

• Homer eats 60–75 donuts per month.

• Homer eats from 60—75 donuts per month.