Dashes

Front

What is a dash?

Back

A dash is a punctuation mark (—) used to indicate a pause or break in a sentence, often to set off additional information or to create emphasis.

Front

When should a dash be used instead of commas?

Back

A dash can be used instead of commas to create a stronger break in the sentence, often for emphasis or to highlight important information.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

How do you correctly use dashes in a sentence?

Back

Dashes should be placed before and after the additional information or interruption in the sentence, without spaces before or after the dash.

Front

What is an example of a sentence using dashes correctly?

Back

The concert—which was sold out—was an unforgettable experience.

Front

What is the purpose of using dashes in writing?

Back

Dashes are used to add emphasis, indicate interruptions, or set off additional information in a sentence.

Front

Can dashes replace parentheses?

Back

Yes, dashes can replace parentheses to add emphasis to the information enclosed.

Front

What is a common mistake when using dashes?

Back

A common mistake is using dashes without proper spacing or using them in place of other punctuation marks incorrectly.

Front

How do you insert a dash in a sentence?

Back

To insert a dash, simply type two hyphens (--) or use the em dash character (—) depending on the writing format.

Front

What is an example of incorrect dash usage?

Back

Incorrect: The dog--barked loudly. Correct: The dog—barked loudly.