Hyphens, Dashes

Front

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 a word break at the end of a line.

Front

What is a dash?

Back

A dash (—) is a punctuation mark used to create a strong break in the structure of a sentence. It can indicate an interruption or an abrupt change in thought.

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When should you use a hyphen in compound numbers?

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Use a hyphen in compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine (e.g., eighty-three).

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How do you punctuate appositives with dashes?

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Use dashes to set off appositives that add non-essential information to a sentence (e.g., My brother—an excellent cook—made dinner).

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What is the difference between a hyphen and a dash?

Back

A hyphen connects words or parts of words, while a dash indicates a pause or break in thought.

Front

When should you use a dash instead of commas?

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Use a dash to create emphasis or to indicate an abrupt change in thought, where commas might not provide enough separation.

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What is an example of using a hyphen in a compound adjective?

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An example is 'high-speed train,' where 'high-speed' describes the type of train.

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What is an example of using a dash to indicate an interruption?

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An example is 'I was going to—oh, never mind—let's just go.'

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What punctuation should be used to indicate a range?

Back

Use an en dash (–) to indicate a range of values, such as 'pages 10–20'.

Front

What is the purpose of using dashes in writing?

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Dashes can be used to create emphasis, indicate interruptions, or set off additional information.