Semicolons, Colons, Dashes, Hyphens

Can a dash replace parentheses?

• Yes, a dash can be used instead of parentheses to add information or an aside, e.g., 'My brother—who lives in New York—visited last week.'

• No, a dash cannot replace parentheses in any context.

• Yes, a dash can only replace parentheses in formal writing.

• No, a dash is only used for separating clauses.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.8.2A

How do you use a semicolon in a sentence?

• Use a semicolon to connect two independent clauses that are closely related, e.g., 'I have a big test tomorrow; I can't go out tonight.'

• Use a semicolon to separate items in a complex list.

• Use a semicolon to connect a dependent clause to an independent clause.

• Use a semicolon to indicate a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a period.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2A

What is a hyphen?

• A punctuation mark used to join words or parts of words, such as in compound adjectives.

• A type of dash used to indicate a range of values.

• A symbol used to separate syllables in a word.

• A mark used to indicate a pause in a sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.2A

What is the purpose of a dash?

• A dash (—) is used to create a strong break in a sentence, often to add emphasis or an explanation.

• A dash (—) is used to connect two independent clauses without a conjunction.

• A dash (—) is used to indicate a pause in speech or writing, similar to a comma.

• A dash (—) is used to separate items in a list.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.8.2A

How do you use a colon in a sentence?

• Use a colon to introduce a list or explanation, e.g., 'You need the following items: a pen, paper, and a calculator.'

• Use a colon to separate two independent clauses without a conjunction.

• Use a colon to introduce a quotation that is not a complete sentence.

• Use a colon to indicate a pause in a sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.2B

What punctuation is used in this sentence: 'I have two pets___a dog and a cat.'

• A comma (,) is used to separate items in a list.

• A semicolon (;) is used to connect related independent clauses.

• A colon (:) is used to introduce the list of pets.

• A period (.) is used to end the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2B

CCSS.L.4.3B

CCSS.L.K.2B

How do you use a dash in a sentence?

• Use a dash to set off additional information or an explanation, e.g., 'She was going to the party—if she finished her homework.'

• Use a dash to indicate a pause in thought, e.g., 'I was thinking—what should I do next?'

• Use a dash to connect two related sentences, e.g., 'She loves reading—she has a large collection of books.'

• Use a dash to replace a comma in a list, e.g., 'I need to buy apples—bananas—grapes.'

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.8.2A

How do you use a hyphen in a sentence?

• Use a hyphen to connect two words that work together as a single idea, e.g., 'a well-known author.'

• Use a hyphen to separate two independent clauses in a sentence.

• Use a hyphen to indicate a pause in a sentence.

• Use a hyphen to connect a noun and a verb in a sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.2A

What punctuation would you use in the sentence: 'He has a unique talent___singing.'

• A comma (,) is used to separate items in a list.

• A semicolon (;) is used to connect closely related ideas.

• A colon (:) is used to introduce the explanation.

• A period (.) is used to end a sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2B

CCSS.L.4.3B

CCSS.L.K.2B

What punctuation is used in this sentence: 'The answer is clear___it was a mistake.'

• A comma (,) is used to separate clauses.

• A semicolon (;) is used to connect related ideas.

• A dash (—) is used to emphasize the explanation.

• A period (.) is used to end the sentence.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2B

CCSS.L.4.3B

CCSS.L.K.2B