Dashes and Parentheses

Which sentence uses the parenthesis correctly

• The American Civil War (1861-1865) was a defining event of the 19th century for the U.S.
  

• The American Civil War 1861-1865 was a defining event of the 19th century for the (U.S).
  

• The American Civil War 1861-1865 was a defining event of the (19th century) for the U.S.
  

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

• After school - which begins at 15:15 - children often go home.

• After school which - begins at 15:15 - children often go home.

• After - school which begins at 15:15 - children often go home.

Which sentence uses parenthesis correctly?

• The signing of the (Declaration of Independence) July 4, 1776 was a critical moment for the American Colonies.
  

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776) was a critical moment for the American Colonies.
  

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 was a (critical moment) for the American Colonies.
  

One of a pair of marks ( ) that are used around a word, phrase, sentence, number.

• parentheses

• parenthetical statement

• inference

• persuasion

What other punctuation could you use in this sentence instead of commas?
James, who loved cycling, bought a new bike.

• dashes

• ellipsis

• inverted commas

I am going to order twenty-four 24 new chairs for the classroom.

• No change

• twenty-four—24 new chairs

• twenty-four—(24)—new chairs

• twenty-four (24) new chairs

A dash is

• longer than a hyphen

• shorter than a hyphen

• the same length as a hyphen

A dash is used to identify non-essential elements or indicate an abrupt break in thought.

• True

• False

Which sentence uses dashes correctly?

• A) The meeting was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. - but it was postponed.

• B) The meeting was scheduled for 3:00 p.m. but - it was postponed.

• C) The meeting was scheduled - for 3:00 p.m. but it was postponed.

• D) The meeting was - scheduled for 3:00 p.m. but it was postponed.

What is the primary function of parentheses in a sentence?

• A) To add emphasis to a word or phrase

• B) To include additional information or an aside

• C) To separate items in a list

• D) To indicate a question