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What are the rules for using dashes?

What are the rules for using dashes?

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.

What is a dash example?

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
0800–0830 Introduction
0830–0930 Lesson 1
0930–1230 Lessons 2–3

Why are dashes used in sentences?

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. These dashes not only differ in length; they also serve different functions within a sentence.

How do you properly use?

To correctly use “A” and “An,” use “A” before words that begin with consonant sounds and “An” before words that begin with vowel sounds. For example, say “a pet” or “a green onion,” since these word begin with consonants.

What are parentheses kids?

Parenthesis is the use of a phrase, word or sentence that’s added into writing as extra information or an afterthought. It’s punctuated by brackets, commas or dashes. Simply, if you take the parenthesis away, the text is still complete without it.

Why do we put S?

Use an apostrophe followed by “s” (‘s) to show that a singular noun belongs to someone or something. Use an “S” followed by an apostrophe (s’) to show possession of plural nouns or nouns that always end in “s.” Using S’ to Show Possession. This sentence is comparing the two rooms used by the boys and the girls.

Why would dashes be used in a sentence?

Use dashes to set off an idea or an appositive within a sentence. A dash (—) is a punctuation mark used to set off an idea within a sentence and may be used alone or in pairs. Dashes interrupt a thought in a more dramatic way than a phrase enclosed in commas, but less theatrically than parentheses.

How do you write dashes?

To form a dash, type two hyphens—without a space before, after, or between them—and your word processor will convert them to a dash. You make a dash by hitting the hyphen key twice. The hyphen key is next to the +/= key on your keyboard (the same key with the underscore _ ).

What does it mean when someone put 3 periods after a word?

ellipsis
Those three little dots are called an ellipsis (plural: ellipses). The term ellipsis comes from the Greek word meaning “omission,” and that’s just what an ellipsis does—it shows that something has been left out. You can also use an ellipsis to show a pause in speech or that a sentence trails off.

How to use dashes correctly?

To set off material for emphasis. Think of dashes as the opposite of parentheses.

  • To indicate sentence introductions or conclusions. You can sometimes use a dash to help readers see that certain words are meant as an introduction or conclusion to your sentence.
  • 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. In written dialogue,if a speaker suddenly or abruptly stops speaking,hesitates in speech,or is cut off by another speaker,a dash can indicate
  • When to use dashes in essays?

    Setting Off an Appositive. An appositive is a noun or pronoun used to describe another noun or pronoun.

  • Listing Items. A colon is often used to introduce a list in writing.
  • Combining Two Independent Clauses. A comma and conjunction.
  • Changing One’s Thought Process.
  • How to create and use dashes and hyphens?

    Hyphens join words,such as “state-of-the-art,” and separate phone numbers (123-555-0123). En and Em dashes are longer than hyphens.

  • En dashes show duration or range,as in 9:00–5:00. On a PC,hold down the Alt key and type 0150. On a Mac,press Option+hyphen.
  • Em dashes set apart clauses in a sentence—like this. On a PC,use ALT+0151.
  • When do you use dashes?

    Replace a set of parentheses or commas

  • Replace a colon
  • Signify an abrupt change or long pause
  • Express interruptions in speech or thought
  • Quote attribution
  • Censorship or redaction
  • Precede summaries or definitions
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