Understanding the Use of Dashes

This video tutorial explains how to use dashes, particularly the em dash, to indicate pauses or breaks in writing. It distinguishes between formal and informal writing, providing guidelines for when to use em dashes versus other punctuation marks like semicolons, colons, and commas. The tutorial includes practical examples and highlights rare cases where em dashes are used in formal writing.

What is the primary focus when deciding to use a dash in writing?

• The type of audience

• The number of words

• The formality of the writing

• The length of the sentence

Which dash is typically used for indicating time periods?

• N-dash

• M-dash

• Ellipsis

• Hyphen

In informal writing, what can an m-dash replace?

• A question mark

• An exclamation mark

• A period

• A semicolon

What should you consider first when using an m-dash in formal writing?

• The length of the sentence

• The sudden change of thought

• The type of audience

• The number of clauses

In formal writing, what punctuation is typically used to show a pause before a list?

• Comma

• M-dash

• Semicolon

• Colon

What is a common use of m-dash in informal writing?

• To start a new paragraph

• To indicate a question

• To end a sentence

• To show a sudden change of thought

Which punctuation mark is used to rename in formal writing?

• Colon

• Comma

• Parentheses

• M-dash

In formal writing, when is it appropriate to use an m-dash?

• When ending a paragraph

• When indicating a sudden change of thought

• When quoting someone

• When listing items

What is a rare instance of using an m-dash in formal writing?

• To start a new sentence

• To indicate a sudden change of thought in a quote

• To replace a period

• To end a paragraph

What percentage of the time is the m-dash used in informal writing?

• 75%

• 50%

• 99%

• 100%