Hyphen and EM Dash Review

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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 set off information or add emphasis.

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How is an EM dash used in a sentence?

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An EM dash can be used to insert additional information or an explanation within a sentence, as in: 'The tree—adorned with twinkling lights—stood proudly.'

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What is a hyphen?

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A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark used to join words or parts of words, such as in compound words or to indicate a word break.

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How is a hyphen used in compound adjectives?

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A hyphen is used in compound adjectives before a noun, for example: 'a well-known author'.

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What is the difference between a hyphen and an EM dash?

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A hyphen connects words or parts of words, while an EM dash creates a break in a sentence for emphasis or additional information.

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When should you use an EM dash instead of commas?

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Use an EM dash for stronger emphasis or when the information is more of an interruption, as in: 'The results—unexpected and surprising—changed everything.'

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What is a compound word?

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A compound word is formed when two or more words are combined to create a new word, such as 'toothbrush' or 'basketball'.

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Provide an example of a sentence using a hyphen correctly.

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My 14-year-old son is in my class.

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What is the purpose of using a hyphen in age descriptions?

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Hyphens are used in age descriptions to connect the number and the word, as in 'a ten-year-old child'.

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What is an example of a sentence using an EM dash correctly?

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Resolutions were made—promises of self-improvement and fresh starts for the months ahead.