Dashes for abrupt breaks

What is the main purpose of an em dash (—) in a sentence?

• To show that a word has been abbreviated

• To signal a sudden break in thought or an interruption

• To connect two words into one, like in 'ice-cream'

• To introduce a formal list of items

Answer explanation

The em dash is primarily used to show an abrupt change in the direction of a sentence or to set off an interruption, adding emphasis or a dramatic pause.

True or False: In most American writing, you should put a space before and after an em dash.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The standard convention for an em dash in American English is to have no spaces on either side, connecting it directly to the words it separates.

Select the sentence that correctly uses a pair of em dashes to set off extra information.

• My favorite snack-popcorn is delicious.

• The movie—which I had seen before—was still exciting.

• I need to buy—milk, bread, and eggs.

• The dog-a golden retriever-barked loudly.

Answer explanation

A pair of em dashes is used to enclose an interrupting phrase. The other options either use hyphens, misuse a single dash, or are missing the second dash.

Which sentence best uses a single em dash to show an abrupt change in thought?

• I was walking to the store, and then I remembered I left my wallet at home.

• I was walking to the store—oh no, I left my wallet at home!

• I was walking to the store... but I forgot my wallet.

• I was walking to the store: a trip I make every day.

Answer explanation

The em dash correctly signals a sudden, sharp change in thought. The other options show a smoother transition (comma), a trailing thought (ellipsis), or a formal explanation (colon).

Complete the sentence: My brother promised to help me with my project—_____ he completely forgot.

• but

• But

• and

• And

Answer explanation

A word following an em dash is only capitalized if it is a proper noun or the start of a new, complete sentence. Here, 'but' continues the same sentence, so it remains lowercase.

Which punctuation mark is best to show that a speaker was cut off suddenly in the middle of a word?

• An ellipsis (...)

• A period (.)

• A comma (,)

• An em dash (—)

Answer explanation

An em dash is used to show a sudden stop or interruption in dialogue, while an ellipsis (...) indicates a thought trailing off or a pause.

True or False: An em dash can be used inside quotation marks to show that a character's speech was abruptly interrupted.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This is a common use of the em dash in dialogue. For example: "I can't believe you would just—" Kevin started to say before Maria cut him off.

Fill in the blank: The assembly—which seemed to last forever—_____ finally over.

• is

• were

• was

• are

Answer explanation

The interrupting phrase set off by dashes does not affect subject-verb agreement. The subject is 'The assembly' (singular), so the correct verb is 'was'.

In which sentence would a colon (:) be a more appropriate choice than an em dash?

• I can't believe what just happened—it was incredible!

• My friend—who is usually on time—was thirty minutes late today.

• Please bring the following items to the potluck: a main dish, a side, and a dessert.

• "I was just about to tell you—" she said before the phone died.

Answer explanation

A colon is the standard, more formal punctuation for introducing a list. An em dash is better for informal or dramatic interruptions and explanations.

The sentence below incorrectly uses a hyphen. Choose the option that revises it correctly using an em dash. 'My greatest fear-spiders-was realized when I saw one in my room.'

• My greatest fear—spiders—was realized when I saw one in my room.

• My greatest fear, spiders, was realized when I saw one in my room.

• My greatest fear...spiders...was realized when I saw one in my room.

• My greatest fear-spiders-was realized when I saw one in my room.

Answer explanation

This sentence requires em dashes to set off the interrupting appositive 'spiders'. Hyphens are shorter and used to connect words, not to set off phrases.