Mastering Dashes Hyphens and Parentheses

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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., twenty-year-old) or to indicate a word break at the end of a line.

Front

When should hyphens be used in compound adjectives?

Back

Hyphens should be used in compound adjectives when they precede a noun to clarify meaning (e.g., well-known artist).

Front

What is the purpose of dashes in writing?

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Dashes (—) are used to create emphasis, indicate a break in thought, or add additional information in a sentence.

Front

How do you differentiate between a hyphen and a dash?

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A hyphen (-) connects words, while a dash (—) indicates a pause or break in thought.

Front

What is the correct use of parentheses?

Back

Parentheses ( ) are used to include additional information or clarifications that are not essential to the main point of the sentence.

Front

When is it appropriate to use dashes instead of commas?

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Dashes are used instead of commas when the information is more emphatic or when the writer wants to create a stronger break in the sentence.

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

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Example: She was the winner—without a doubt.

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What is the function of commas in a sentence?

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Commas (,) are used to separate items in a list, set off introductory elements, or indicate a pause in a sentence.

Front

How do you correctly punctuate a sentence with additional information?

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You can use commas, dashes, or parentheses to punctuate a sentence with additional information, depending on the emphasis desired.

Front

What is the difference between using parentheses and dashes?

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Parentheses indicate that the information is supplementary and less important, while dashes emphasize the information.