Dashes

Definition

Dashes are punctuation marks used to create a strong break in the structure of a sentence, often highlighting additional information or emphasizing a point. They can take the form of em dashes (—) and en dashes (–), serving different functions in writing. Em dashes are typically used to set off information or indicate interruptions, while en dashes are generally used to denote ranges or connections between related items.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Em dashes can replace commas, parentheses, or colons for emphasis or interruption, making the writing more dynamic.
2. En dashes are used for ranges of numbers, such as 'pages 5–10', and to connect related items like 'New York–London flight'.
3. When using em dashes, there should be no spaces before or after the dash in formal writing.
4. Overusing dashes can lead to confusion and disrupt the flow of writing, so they should be used judiciously.
5. Unlike commas, which indicate a slight pause, em dashes create a stronger break in thought and can convey a more dramatic tone.

Review Questions

• How do em dashes function differently from commas in a sentence?
  • Em dashes create a stronger break in thought than commas do, allowing for more emphasis on the information that follows. While commas provide a slight pause and separate items in a list or clauses, em dashes can highlight interruptions or set off additional details in a more dramatic way. This difference makes em dashes useful for creating tension or drawing attention to specific phrases within a sentence.
• Discuss how en dashes are correctly used to indicate ranges and connections between terms.
  • En dashes are specifically used to indicate ranges of values, such as numbers or dates, like '2010–2020' or 'pages 15–20'. They can also connect related items, such as 'the Boston–New York train route'. This use of en dashes helps clarify relationships and provide clear distinctions between connected terms without the ambiguity that might arise from using other punctuation marks.
• Evaluate the impact of dash usage on sentence clarity and reader comprehension.
  • The effective use of dashes can enhance sentence clarity by drawing attention to important information and organizing thoughts in a visually distinct manner. However, if overused or misused, dashes can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of writing. Therefore, balancing dash usage with other punctuation marks is crucial for maintaining clarity while also engaging the reader's interest and understanding.

Related terms

Hyphen: A punctuation mark (-) used to join words or parts of words together, such as in compound adjectives.

Parentheses:

Punctuation marks ( ) used to include additional information or clarify statements within a sentence, often indicating that the information is not essential.

Comma: A punctuation mark (,) that indicates a pause between parts of a sentence, used for separating items in a list or clauses.