Mastering Dashes Hyphens and Parentheses

Front

What is a dash?

Back

A dash is a punctuation mark (—) used to indicate a break in thought or to set off information for emphasis.

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What is a hyphen?

Back

A hyphen is a punctuation mark (-) used to join words or parts of words, such as in compound adjectives (e.g., well-known) or to indicate word breaks.

Front

What are parentheses?

Back

Parentheses are punctuation marks ( ) used to enclose additional information or clarifying details that are not essential to the main point.

Front

When should you use a dash?

Back

Use a dash to create emphasis, indicate a pause, or set off a list or explanation.

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When should you use a hyphen?

Back

Use a hyphen to connect two or more words that function together as a single adjective before a noun or to separate syllables of a single word.

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When should you use parentheses?

Back

Use parentheses to include supplementary information or asides that clarify or add detail without interrupting the main flow of the sentence.

Front

What is the difference between a dash and a hyphen?

Back

A dash (—) is longer and indicates a break in thought, while a hyphen (-) is shorter and connects words or parts of words.

Front

What is the correct use of parentheses in a sentence?

Back

Parentheses should enclose information that is not crucial to the main point, such as examples or clarifications.

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How do you punctuate a sentence with a dash?

Back

A dash can be used with or without spaces on either side, depending on the style guide, but it should not be confused with a hyphen.

Front

What is an example of a correct use of a hyphen?

Back

In the phrase 'twenty-year-old', the hyphens connect the words to form a compound adjective.