Table of Contents
- 1 Is it grammatically correct to use a dash?
- 2 How do you use dashes in a sentence?
- 3 When would you use a dash in writing?
- 4 What does a dash mean after a word?
- 5 How do you use a dash in an essay?
- 6 Can you use a dash instead of a comma?
- 7 How do you use dashes correctly?
- 8 When to use dashes correctly?
- 9 When should I use dashes?
Is it grammatically correct to use a dash?
It’s longer than a hyphen and is commonly used to indicate a range or a pause. Dashes are used to separate groups of words, not to separate parts of words like a hyphen does. There are three forms of dashes: em, en, and the double hyphen. The most common types of dashes are the en dash (–) and the em dash (—).
How do you use dashes in a sentence?
In any software program that handles text, the em dash can be typed on an enhanced keyboard as Alt + 0151—that is, hold down the “alternate” key and, using the numerical pad on the right side of the keyboard, type the numbers 0151. The en dash can be typed as Alt + 0150.
When would you use a dash in writing?
A dash is a horizontal line that shows a pause or break in meaning, or that represents missing words or letters. Note that dashes are rather informal and should be used carefully in writing. Dashes are often used informally instead of commas, colons and brackets. A dash may or may not have a space on either side of it.
What is an example of a dash?
A dash can be used between times and dates. (A dash will usually replace the words from…to or between…and.) For example: USSR existed 1922–1991….(1) Using Dashes with Ranges (e.g., Times and Dates)
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 0830–0930 | Lesson 1 |
| 0930–1230 | Lessons 2–3 |
When to use a dash or hyphen in a sentence?
The dash is often used after an independent clause. The hyphen, on the other hand, is used to join two words together like yellow-green. It usually does not have a space between the words. Also, the dash tends to be slightly longer than the hyphen, and usually would have spaces before and after the symbol.
What does a dash mean after a word?
The dash (—) is a mark of punctuation used to set off a word or phrase after an independent clause or a parenthetical remark (words, phrases, or clauses that interrupt a sentence). “A dash is a mark of separation stronger than a comma, less formal than a colon, and more relaxed than parentheses.”
How do you use a dash in an essay?
Dashes
- To set off material for emphasis. Think of dashes as the opposite of parentheses.
- To indicate sentence introductions or conclusions.
- To mark “bonus phrases.” Phrases that add information or clarify but are not necessary to the meaning of a sentence are ordinarily set off with commas.
- To break up dialogue.
Can you use a dash instead of a comma?
Use Dashes in Place of a Comma Em dashes can be used in pairs to replace commas when writing a parenthetical or interruptive phrase. The dashes have a slightly more emphatic feel, making the reader focus on this information that is set inside the special marks.
How do you use dashes in dialogue?
The main things to remember are: Use an em dash if the speaker stops mid-word, in the same way as you’d use a hyphen. Put it inside the closing quotation marks. Use an em dash if the speaker’s able to complete a word, but someone or something stops them before they finish their thought.
How do you use dashes and hyphens?
How do you use dashes correctly?
Using Hyphens and Dashes Use a hyphen when adding a prefix to some words. Use hyphens when creating compound words from several smaller words. Use a hyphen when writing numbers out as words. Use a dash when making a brief interruption within a statement. Use a hyphen to split a word between two lines.
When to use dashes correctly?
Using Dashes. Dashes, when used sparingly and correctly, can be used to make your writing sound more sophisticated. Indicate sudden changes in tone or thought within a sentence. The exuberant–I should say lunatic–quality of his ravings electrified the crowd.
When should I use dashes?
The em dash in place of a colon. The em dash can be used in place of a colon when you want to emphasize the conclusion of your sentence. The dash is less formal than the colon. After months of deliberation, the jurors reached a unanimous verdict-guilty.
When to use a dash when writing?
Use the dash to emphasize a pause. Sometimes, a dash is used to achieve the decline from a climactic tone, often to emphasize a point or an action. For example: “We waited outside his house all day and all night long–but to no avail.”. Just like any other punctuation, use the dash sparingly and only when necessary.