Using Dashes

What is the purpose of using dashes for emphasis?

• To indicate a question

• To confuse the reader

• To separate two unrelated ideas

• To set off a word or phrase in a sentence

How can a dash be used to set off a phrase for emphasis?

• By indicating a question within the phrase

• By adding extra information or drawing attention to a specific point within a sentence.

• By separating the phrase from the rest of the sentence

• By making the phrase less noticeable

What is the correct way to use a dash for interruption in a sentence?

• Place a pair of dashes (–) with spaces on either side of the interrupting phrases

• Place a pair of dashes (—) without spaces on either side of the interrupting phrases

Provide an example of using a dash to emphasize a phrase in a sentence.

• The party-which had been planned for weeks-was a great success.

• The party (which had been planned for weeks) was a great success.

• The party *which had been planned for weeks* was a great success.

• The party, which had been planned for weeks, was a great success.

Which of the following sentences uses a dash correctly for emphasis?

• I really -and I mean really- want to go to the concert

• I really, and I mean really, want to go to the concert!

• I really (and I mean really) want to go to the concert!

• I really, and I mean really want to go to the concert!

Which sentence correctly uses a dash to indicate interruption?

• The party was going well-until the power went out.

• The party was going well until the power - suddenly - went out.

• The party was going well, until the power went out.

• The party was going well, until the power suddenly went out.

In which of the following sentences is the dash used incorrectly?

• I love pizza- especially when it's topped with lots of cheese.

• She asked me-after all these years-if I still remembered her.

• He couldn't believe - how could she do this to him? - what he was hearing.

• The cat - a sleek Siamese - lounged lazily on the windowsill.

Which sentence correctly uses a dash for emphasis?

• The movie was-to say the least-incredible!

• The movie was, to say the least, incredible!

• The movie was to say the least incredible!

• The movie was to say the least - incredible!

In which sentence is the dash used incorrectly?

• I have a dog-a golden retriever-who loves to play fetch.

• She wanted to go to the beach-but it was raining.

• His favorite food-pizza-was always a treat.

• The cat slept soundly- and didn't stir-on the couch.

Which of the following sentences demonstrates the correct placement of a dash for interruption?

• The teacher asked the class to -listen carefully-to the instructions.

• I need to buy milk, eggs, bread-and maybe some chocolate.

• She was excited about the trip-which was planned for months- until it got canceled.

• The storm outside- was raging with fury- while we stayed cozy indoors.