Dashes

Front

What is a dash?

Back

A dash is a punctuation mark (—) used to create a strong break in the structure of a sentence.

Front

How is a dash different from a comma?

Back

A dash indicates a stronger pause than a comma and can add emphasis or drama to a sentence.

Front

When should you use a dash?

Back

Use a dash to set off additional information, create emphasis, or indicate a break in thought.

Front

What is the correct punctuation for this sentence? 'The book—an exciting adventure—was a bestseller.'

Back

The correct punctuation uses dashes to set off the phrase 'an exciting adventure'.

Front

What effect do dashes have on a sentence?

Back

Dashes add drama and can create a more conversational tone.

Front

Where should a dash be placed in the sentence: 'The meeting—scheduled for noon—was canceled.'?

Back

The dashes should be placed before and after 'scheduled for noon'.

Front

Can a dash replace parentheses?

Back

Yes, a dash can replace parentheses to add emphasis to the enclosed information.

Front

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

Back

An en dash (–) is used for ranges (e.g., 1990–2000), while an em dash (—) is used for breaks in thought.

Front

What punctuation should be used in this sentence: 'She was excited—beyond words.'?

Back

An em dash is used to create emphasis.

Front

How do you punctuate this sentence: 'The concert—amazing and unforgettable—was a success.'?

Back

Use dashes to set off the phrase 'amazing and unforgettable'.