Understanding Dashes and Hyphens

Front

What is a dash used for in writing?

Back

A dash is used to emphasize additional information or to indicate a sudden change in thought.

Front

What is a hyphen used for?

Back

A hyphen is used to join two words into a compound word or to separate syllables in a word.

Front

How do you correctly use a hyphen in a compound adjective?

Back

A hyphen is used in compound adjectives before a noun, e.g., 'well-known author'.

Front

What is the correct way to write 'twenty-one' when used as an adjective?

Back

It should be written as 'twenty-one' when used as an adjective, e.g., 'twenty-one-year-old student'.

Front

When should you use a dash instead of a comma?

Back

Use a dash to create a stronger break in thought or to emphasize information.

Front

Identify the correct use of a dash in a sentence.

Back

Example: 'I was going to the concert—but it was sold out.'

Front

What is the difference between a dash and a hyphen?

Back

A dash is longer and used for emphasis or interruption, while a hyphen is shorter and used to connect words.

Front

How do you indicate a range of numbers?

Back

Use a hyphen to indicate a range, e.g., 'pages 10-20'.

Front

What punctuation is used to show an interruption in dialogue?

Back

A dash is used to show an interruption in dialogue, e.g., 'I was thinking—'.

Front

What is an example of incorrect hyphen usage?

Back

Incorrect: 'The student is twenty one years old.' Correct: 'The student is twenty-one years old.'