Hyphens, Dashes, and Ellipses

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What is a hyphen?

Back

A hyphen is a punctuation mark (-) used to join two or more words together to form a single concept, such as in 'well-being' or 'two-thirds'.

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What is an em dash?

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An em dash (—) is a punctuation mark used to create a strong break in a sentence, often to indicate a pause or to set off a phrase.

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What is an ellipsis?

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An ellipsis (...) is a punctuation mark used to indicate the omission of words or a trailing off of thought.

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When should you use a hyphen?

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Use a hyphen to connect compound words, such as 'mother-in-law' or to indicate a range, like 'pages 10-20'.

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When should you use an em dash?

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Use an em dash to add emphasis, indicate a break in thought, or set off additional information in a sentence.

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When should you use an ellipsis?

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Use an ellipsis to show that some text has been omitted or to indicate a pause in dialogue.

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What punctuation is used to show a breath or hesitation?

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An ellipsis (...) is used to show a breath, hesitation, or an unfinished thought.

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What punctuation is NOT used to show a breath, hesitation, or emphasis?

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A period (.) is NOT used to show a breath, hesitation, or emphasis.

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True or False: A hyphen can join two words into one concept.

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True.

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Fill in the blank: 'I can't believe it is already ____.'

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... (ellipsis) to indicate a trailing off.