Did you know?
A dash is used
to show a change or sudden break in a sentence. It is used to show emphasis and
should not be used as a frequent replacement for a comma.
Example:
Example:
Toward the project’s completion – and not due to insufficient employees – some work days ran into overtime.
A dash is used to introduce a series, followed by an explanatory clause.
Example:
Chocolate, a cup of tea, and a good book – these are my favorite rainy day treats.
A dash is used to show an interruption, such as in dialogue.
Example:
Jaden: Helen, why did you –
Helen: Stop asking
questions!
A dash is used
to indicate parenthetical text that explains a word or phrase.
Example:
Example:
The event – a parade to celebrate the holiday – was held every year.
Do you recall lessons on the dash in school? I've been using it more lately, no particular conscious reason. Variety, perhaps. Used sparingly and with care, I think that the dash is an effective addition.
How much does the dash appear in your writing?
Happy Monday,
Karen
Karen
P. S. The dash and a host of other grammar and writer-ly tidbits are among the topics discussed in Basic Boot Camp for Writers, my class at the Coffeehouse for Writers. I invite you to check out the selection of great workshops offered every month!
Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced
in any form without prior written permission of the author, Karen Lange.
Photo credit: Stock Exchange
Photo credit: Stock Exchange
