Understanding Dashes

What is the primary function of a dash when used in a sentence?

• To introduce a list

• To separate closely related independent clauses

• To emphasize or set off information

• To indicate a sentence is unfinished

Which sentence correctly uses dashes to set off nonessential information?

• My dog, a golden retriever—is very friendly.

• My dog—a golden retriever—is very friendly.

• My dog a golden retriever—is very friendly.

• My dog a golden retriever, is very friendly.

What must come before a dash if it introduces an explanation?

• A prepositional phrase

• An independent clause

• A dependent clause

• A fragment

A dash can sometimes replace which of the following punctuation marks?

• A semicolon

• A colon

• A comma

• All of the above

Which sentence correctly uses a dash for emphasis?

• She had one goal—winning the championship.

• She had one goal, winning the championship.

• She had one goal; winning the championship.

• She had one goal: winning the championship.

Where should another dash be placed? "The scientist’s discovery—a breakthrough in genetic research was groundbreaking."

• After "scientist's"

• After "breakthrough"

• After "genetic"

• After "research"

Which sentence correctly uses dashes to emphasize an interruption?

• I was about to explain my idea—then the fire alarm went off.

• I was about to explain my idea; then—the fire alarm went off.

• I was about to explain my idea, then—the fire alarm went off.

• I was about to explain my idea then— the fire alarm went off.

Which sentence correctly separates two independent clauses?

• The meeting was long, but—we still made progress.

• The meeting was long: but we still made progress.

• The meeting was long but—we still made progress.

• The meeting was long—we still made progress.

Which sentence correctly uses a dash in a complex list?

• The guest list included John—my cousin, Sarah—my friend, and Mike.

• The guest list included John, my cousin; Sarah, my friend—and Mike.

• The guest list included John, my cousin, Sarah—my friend—and Mike.

• The guest list included John my cousin—Sarah my friend—and Mike.

Where should dashes be placed? "The city's oldest landmark a historic clock tower was recently restored."

• After "city's" and after "oldest"

• After "clock" and after "tower"

• After "landmark" and after "tower"

• After "historic" and after "clock"