Hyphens and Dashes

Front

What is the primary function of a hyphen in English grammar?

Back

A hyphen is used to join words or parts of words together, such as in compound words (e.g., well-known) or to indicate a break in a word at the end of a line.

Front

When should you use a dash instead of a hyphen?

Back

A dash is used to create a strong break in a sentence, often to set off information or to indicate a pause, while a hyphen connects words.

Front

What is the difference between an en dash and an em dash?

Back

An en dash (–) is typically used to indicate a range of values (e.g., 1990–2000), while an em dash (—) is used to create a strong break in a sentence.

Front

How do you punctuate compound adjectives before a noun?

Back

Compound adjectives before a noun should be hyphenated (e.g., a well-known author).

Front

What punctuation can be used to offset non-essential information in a sentence?

Back

Commas, parentheses, or dashes can be used to offset non-essential information.

Front

What is an example of a compound noun that uses a hyphen?

Back

Mother-in-law is an example of a compound noun that uses a hyphen.

Front

How should the phrase 'a twenty five year old' be punctuated?

Back

It should be punctuated as 'a twenty-five-year-old'.

Front

What punctuation mark is used when two parents give their child both last names?

Back

A hyphen is used to connect the two last names.

Front

What is the rule for hyphenating numbers when they are written out?

Back

Numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine should be hyphenated when written out (e.g., twenty-one, thirty-five).

Front

When is it appropriate to use a dash in a sentence?

Back

A dash is appropriate to indicate an abrupt change in thought or to set off a list or explanation.