A dash functions the same way as a period or semicolon.

A hyphen is used two join words together or separate words at the end of a line.

Hyphens can be used instead of commas to identify non-essential information in a sentence.

A dash is used to identify non-essential elements or indicate an abrupt break in thought.

Fill in the blank using a hyphen or a dash: She is a multi___media artist.

Fill in the blank using a hyphen or a dash: The blue____green water was clear and sparkly.

Fill in the blank using a hyphen or a dash: Dad told us____Bob, Jerry, and Jack____to take out the trash.

Fill in the blank using a hyphen or a dash: My great____grandmother lived to be over one hundred years old.

Fill in the blank using a hyphen or a dash: Did you see that____there it goes!____huge owl.

Fill in the blank using a hyphen or a dash: Underneath the porch was____I'm not kidding____the hugest rattlesnake I've ever seen!

Fill in the blank using a hyphen or a dash: The ex____mayor of the city will be at the parade tomorrow.

Fill in the blank using a hyphen or a dash: The foggy, humid air filled the once____blue sky.

Parenthesis are used to add information that is not of great importance but may be interesting or useful to the reader.

Brackets are like parentheses inside quotes or other parentheses.

Non-essential elements can be set off by all of the following EXCEPT:

Fill in the blank using hyphens, brackets, or parentheses: The coach said, "I am happy to accept this award____the sportsmanship trophy____on behalf of the entire team."

Fill in the blank using hyphens, brackets, or parentheses: Beethoven____1770-1827____was a German composer.

Fill in the blank using hyphens, brackets, or parentheses: Use a pen____blue or black ink only____to complete this application.

Fill in the blank using a hyphen, brackets, or parentheses: The green____colored witch smelled musty and malodorous.