Hyphens, Dashes, & Ellipses

An ellipsis does not show

• the passage of time

• that some words have been left out

• a list is being introduced

• a thought has not been finished

Tags

CCSS.L.8.2A

CCSS.L.8.2B

Hyphens

• join two sentences

• connect related compound words

• indicate words have been left out

• indicate a pause or emphasis

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.2A

My sister Helen, who is seven years old and an enthusiastic dancer, is going to visit our aunt.

• My sister Helen, who is seven years old...is going to visit our aunt.

• My sister Helen...is going to visit our aunt.

• ...Helen, who is seven years old and an enthusiastic dancer, is going to visit our aunt.

• My sister Helen...is seven years old and an enthusiastic dancer, is going to visit our aunt.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.7.1A

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

What is the ellipsis doing in this sentence?

Marco has a...unique talent in the kitchen.

• leaving out words

• showing time has passed

• indicating a pause

• absolutely nothing; get rid of it

Darby works part time at the movie theater.

• hyphen

• no hyphen

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.2A

Being a parent is a full-time job.

• hyphen

• no hyphen

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.2A

What is the ellipsis doing in this sentence?

Staring at the stars, Diana waited...and waited...but he never came.

• leaving out words

• showing time has passed

• changing the tone

• absolutely nothing; get rid of it

Tags

CCSS.L.8.2A

CCSS.L.8.2B

Dashes do not

• indicate a pause

• indicate emphasis

• connect related words

Tags

CCSS.L.6.2A

CCSS.L.8.2A

Tony and Maria—based on Romeo and Juliet—are the main characters of West Side Story.

• correct

• incorrect

Tags

CCSS.L.7.5A

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

I can't believe that sixty percent of you are failing French!

• hyphen

• no hyphen

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.2A