Download
1 / 12
130 likes | 151 Views
Learn how to use hyphens and dashes correctly to enhance clarity in your writing. Explore examples and practice exercises for mastering the use of hyphens and dashes. Improve your writing skills today!
E N D
Hyphens and DashesA Mini-Lesson UWF Writing Lab
The Differences • The hyphen (-) is used to separate parts of a word. • The dash (–) is used to separate parts of a sentence. • (Note: The dash can be • represented by two • hyphens.)
Dashes should be used in all of the following sentences. Notice the potential for confusion when the hyphen is used instead of the dash. • I have told you everything I know-nothing has been omitted from my account. • Whatever may be your pleasure-seek no further, friends-you have come to the right place! • Boy, I love being single-parents, I feel for you-because I don’t think I’ll ever get married and have kids. • Please find a place to sit-down on the left there-and we can get started.
Confused yet? Using a dash instead of a hyphen will correct all of these sentences: • I have told you everything I know— nothing has been omitted from my account. • Whatever may be your pleasure—seek no further, friends—you have come to the right place! • Boy, I love being single—parents, I feel for you—because I don’t think I’ll ever get married and have kids. • Please find a place to sit—down on the left there—and we can get started.
Use a Hyphen • To separate the parts of a compound adjective or noun • a well-written document • a thought-provoking story • out-of-state students • out-of-shape people • a five-year-old boy • (BUT: The boy is five • years old.) • secretary-treasurer • student-teacher ratio • work-study program • inner-city schools • jack-in-the-box • mother-in-law
Use a Hyphen • To set off certain prefixes well-being well-preserved self-conscious self-employed all-purpose ex-minister ex-husband anti-intellectual pro-American
Use a Dash(carefully and sparingly) • To add emphasis • Studies—published and unpublished—are included in the portfolio. • I promise I will make it to your birthday party—as long as you save me some cake!
Use a Dash • To digress from the main clause • All of my classes this semester—chemistry, English, calculus, psychology, and physics—are really pushing me to my limit. • The last contestant—two • hours late—finally made it to • the competition. (This sentence is an example of digression and emphasis.)
So how do I make sure to use the right one? • The dash can be represented by two hyphens (--). Microsoft Word will automatically turn two adjacent hyphens into a dash. Microsoft Word will also turn one hyphen into a dash if you enter the following keystrokes: SPACE, hyphen, SPACE. This dash (–) is a little shorter than the long dash, but it is still longer than the hyphen.
REVIEW • NOTE THE USE OF THE HYPHEN AND THE DASH IN THE SNTENCE BELOW: • "To white evangelical women, Sarah Palin is a modern-day prophet, preaching God, flag, and family--while remaking the religious right in her own image" (Lisa Miller, June 21, 2010 Newsweek).
Practice Using a Dash • Instructions: Use dashes where they are needed in the following sentences. • 1. We will invite Susan she is the new girl next door to our party. • 2. The dog slid on the vinyl his nails acting like skates and crashed into the trash can. • 3. When our stockpile was sold indeed, dumped for surplus all our sales were compromised. • 4. Today has been but I will not bore you with my troubles. • 5. Let me tell you about watch where you are going!
Practice Using a Dash (Answers) • 1. We will invite Susan--she is the new girl next door--to our party. • 2. The dog slid on the vinyl--his nails acting like skates--and crashed into the trash can. • 3. When our stockpile was sold--indeed, dumped for surplus--all our sales were compromised. • 4. Today has been--but I will not bore you with my troubles. • 5. Let me tell you about--watch where you are going!
