Hyphens, Dashes

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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 (e.g., well-known) or to indicate a word break at the end of a line.

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What is a dash?

Back

A dash (—) is a punctuation mark used to create a strong break in the structure of a sentence, often to set off additional information or to indicate a pause.

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When should you use a hyphen in compound adjectives?

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Use a hyphen in compound adjectives when they come before a noun (e.g., a well-known author).

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When should you not use a hyphen in compound adjectives?

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Do not use a hyphen when the compound adjective comes after the noun (e.g., the author is well known).

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What is the difference between an en dash and an em dash?

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An en dash (–) is used to indicate a range (e.g., pages 10–20), while an em dash (—) is used to create a strong break in a sentence.

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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 (e.g., My brother—who lives in New York—visits often).

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What is an example of a sentence using a hyphen?

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She is a twenty-year-old student.

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What is an example of a sentence using a dash?

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I was going to the store—but then it started to rain.

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How do you punctuate a sentence with multiple adjectives?

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Use commas to separate adjectives that equally modify a noun (e.g., It was a long, tiring journey).

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What is the rule for hyphenating numbers?

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Hyphenate numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine when written in words (e.g., thirty-five).