Handout Topic: Dashes
What is a dash?
A dash is a punctuation mark that allows the writer to add information into a complete sentence to serve the purpose of: a hesitation in speech, an explanation, a commentary on a list, an illustration, an introduction for a list, emphasis, a shift in tone, an unfinished thought or a break in thought.
Dashes are found in sentences in two forms:
1. A pair of dashes found in the middle of a sentence.
2. A single dash usually found near the end of a sentence.
N.B. Dashes are longer than hyphens, and should be formatted to reflect this fact. Whereas hyphens are typed as one mark (-), dashes are typed by using two hyphens together (-). Some word-processing programs auto-format a dash only if you type a space after two consecutive hyphens; however, spaces are not needed before or after a dash in a sentence.
How to use a dash:
Hesitation in speech
e.g. "Wait-I know the answer," he said triumphantly.
Explanation
e.g. I can't go out tonight-I have a date-but I am free Saturday.
Commenting on a list
e.g. Eggs, milk, and flour-how am I supposed to make spaghetti with these ingredients?
Illustration
e.g. John liberally applied his cologne-which smelled like pure gasoline-before his first date with Tina.
Introducing a list
e.g. Jim Morrison's stage performance had everything-poetry, theatrics, dancing and mysticism.
Emphasis
e.g. He sits in that chair-everyday-during the evening news hour.
Shift in tone
e.g. Everyone paused to look-stop staring at me!-when I walked through the door.
An unfinished thought
e.g. I remember a time when I was young-perhaps I should tell you this story when you are older.
A break in thought
e.g. I watched as Frank went around the corner-where was he going?
Exercises: Place a dash or dashes in the correct location(s).
1. We all went home after a couple of hours it was getting late and went to bed.
2. They all whined like little children when the teacher said they had to stay.
3. I had too much for supper steak, potatoes, salad, corn and coleslaw.
4. She smiles at me which makes me blush every time she walks by.
5. Lights, camera, action that's a Hollywood catchphrase