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The dash (—) is a mark of punctuation used to set off a word or phrase after an independent clause or a parenthetical remark (words, phrases, or clauses that interrupt a sentence). Don't confuse the dash (—) with the hyphen (-): the dash is longer.
What are some examples of Dash dashes for parenthesis?
Dashes for parenthetics are much less common. If the parenthetic appears in the middle of the sentence, there must be TWO dashes, one before and one after. Look at these examples of parenthetical expressions: Some foods , sugar for example, are not good for us. Timothy , who lives near Stonehenge, goes to church regularly.
How do you use parenthetical punctuation with dashes?
When using dashes as parenthetical punctuation, your parenthesis will be easily seen, but dashes can look a little stark. Select the word that should be followed by a comma to mark the end of the parenthesis. . Select the word that should be followed by a dash to mark the end of the parenthesis. .
What is the difference between brackets and dashes for parenthetical expressions?
Bracketed parenthetics can only appear in the middle of the sentence, and there must always be TWO brackets. Dashes for parenthetics are much less common. If the parenthetic appears in the middle of the sentence, there must be TWO dashes, one before and one after. Look at these examples of parenthetical expressions:
What is a parenthesis?
(with Examples) Parentheses are punctuation marks (either commas, dashes or brackets) used in pairs to offset additional information in a sentence. The additional information is called a parenthesis.
What is the offset of parenthetical punctuation called?
What punctuation marks are used in pairs?
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What is the use of parenthetical dashes?
Dashes and parentheses indicate an “aside” to the point you are making in your sentence. Although sometimes considered interchangeable, each serves a specific purpose in your writing. Dashes interrupt your writing to insert an interjection or pause, while parentheses gently add information to your point.
What is a dash for parenthesis?
A pair of em dashes can replace a pair of parentheses. Dashes are considered less formal than parentheses; they are also more intrusive. If you want to draw attention to the parenthetical content, use dashes.
What is an example of a dash in a sentence?
Dashes replace otherwise mandatory punctuation, such as the commas after Iowa and 2020 in the following examples: Without dash: The man from Ames, Iowa, arrived. With dash: The man—he was from Ames, Iowa—arrived. Without dash: The May 1, 2020, edition of the Ames Sentinel arrived in June.
What is a dash used for in text?
A dash is expressed as an "em dash" ( — ) in printing, is expressed in plain text as two hyphens ( -- ) and is used in place of a comma, colon or semicolon for greater emphasis. It denotes a major break or pause and should not be overused.
What is the long dash called?
the em dashThe dash (—), also called the em dash, is the long horizontal bar, much longer than a hyphen. Few keyboards have a dash, but a word processor can usually produce one in one way or another.
What does a dash mean between two words?
A hyphen joins two or more words together while a dash separates words into parenthetical statements. The two are sometimes confused because they look so similar, but their usage is different. Hyphens are not separated by spaces, while a dash has a space on either side.
What is an example of a parentheses?
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. For example, 'his favourite team - whom he had followed since the age of five - was Rockingham Rovers'.
How do you use a dash to connect two sentences?
Use an em dash to join independent clauses. Most commonly, a dash connects an independent clause with another, with a related thought plus a conjunction like or, but, yet, as, for, and after the second dash. The dash works somewhat like parentheses or commas, but it is used where a stronger punctuation is needed.
How do you use two dashes in a sentence?
Double dashes are used instead of commas (or parentheses) to interrupt a sentence. The phrase separated by dashes must be grammatically inessential, by which I simply mean that the sentence will still work without that phrase.
What are the 3 types of dashes?
There are actually three different types of dashes: the em-dash, the en-dash, and the 3-em dash. The em-dash can be used to replace parentheses, colons, and commas. Generally, using the em-dash makes the writing style more informal—as if you were writing to an old friend.
What is a dash called in writing?
em dashThe hyphen (-), the shortest of the three marks, is familiar (sometimes wretchedly so) to most writers. So is the em dash (—), more often called the long dash, or sometimes just the dash.
How do you use a dash in an essay?
A dash is a little horizontal line that floats in the middle of a line of text (not at the bottom: that's an underscore). 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.
How do you type a dash?
For desktop PC: press “ctrl+minus” on the numeric keypad (the number section on the far right of your keyboard). The trick will not work if you press the hyphen-key on the typewriter section of the keyboard.
How do I type an em dash?
Alt codes are basically keyboard shortcuts that don't require you to press many keys at once, but instead require that you hold down the Alt key and then type a specific, multi-digit code on your numpad. To make an em dash, press and hold Alt, then type 0151.
What are 4 functions of parentheses?
Parentheses are used to enclose incidental or supplemental information or comments. The parenthetical information or comment may serve to clarify or illustrate, or it may just offer a digression or afterthought. Parentheses are also used to enclose certain numbers or letters in an outline or list.
What is an example of a parentheses?
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. For example, 'his favourite team - whom he had followed since the age of five - was Rockingham Rovers'.
Parenthetical Expression | Grammar | EnglishClub
Commas are the usual form of punctuation for parenthetics. Remember, if the parenthetic appears in the middle of the sentence there must be TWO commas, one before and one after. Brackets are the next most common form of punctuation for parenthetics. Bracketed parenthetics can only appear in the middle of the sentence, and there must always be TWO brackets.
When to use dashes, parentheses or commas - Online Writing Training
When to use dashes, parentheses and commas. We all insert extra information in sentences at times with dashes, parentheses (also known as brackets) or commas.
Parenthesis - Examples and Definition of Parenthesis - Literary Devices
Definition of Parenthesis. Parenthesis is a stylistic device that comes from the Greek word meaning “to place,” or “alongside.”Parenthesis is a qualifying or explanatory sentence, clause, or word that writers insert into a paragraph or passage.However, if they leave it out, even then it does not grammatically affect the text, which is correct without it.
What is the offset of parenthetical punctuation called?
The additional information offset by parenthetical punctuation is called a parenthesis. In the US, the term "parentheses" is used specifically for round brackets. For many people in the UK, "parentheses" does not specifically denote round brackets but any type of parenthetical punctuation.
What punctuation marks are used in pairs?
Parenthetical punctuation is used in pairs to offset additional information in a sentence. Parenthetical punctuation includes the following punctuation marks: commas, dashes, and parentheses (called "round brackets" in the UK).
When to use dash?
Use a Dash after a Series or List of Appositives. When you introduce a long series or list of appositives before the subject and verb, you are placing high demands on the reader’s short-term memory. Therefore, use this pattern rarely and only for emphasis.
When you want to whisper rather than shout, can you place the modifiers inside parentheses?
When you want to whisper rather than shout, you can place the modifiers inside parentheses:
How to create emphasis and define terms?
Create emphasis and define terms by interrupting the flow of a sentence by using a dash; know when the dash must be used as opposed to the comma.
Is a dash a comma?
Some people erroneously believe that the dash is acceptable only in informal discourse. However, the dash can provide you with subtle ways to repeat modifiers and dramatic ways to emphasize your point. Create emphasis and define terms by interrupting the flow of a sentence by using a dash; know when the dash must be used as opposed to the comma.
Do you use a dash or comma in parenthetical?
Commas are usually sufficient punctuation to set off parenthetical elements. In some instances, however, you can use a dash instead, especially if you want to make the insertion more noticeable: The building next to ours–the one with the all-cedar exterior–was engulfed in flames.
Definition of parenthetical
1 a : of, relating to, or expressed in a parenthesis a parenthetical remark/comment/note One sentence runs on for nearly two pages; other sentences meander through the potholes of so many parenthetical expressions as to make it nearly impossible to follow the trail of the argument … — James Q.
Other Words from parenthetical
"They are a good nucleus of ideas for me," she says, adding, almost parenthetically, "Of course you have to know a lot about medicine to understand them." — Publishers Weekly
First Known Use of parenthetical
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How many dashes are there in a parenthetic?
If the parenthetic appears in the middle of the sentence, there must be TWO dashes, one before and one after. Look at these examples of parenthetical expressions: Some foods , sugar for example, are not good for us. Timothy , who lives near Stonehenge, goes to church regularly.
What are some examples of parenthetical expressions?
Look at these examples of parenthetical expressions: 1 Some foods , sugar for example, are not good for us. 2 Timothy , who lives near Stonehenge, goes to church regularly. 3 Tara , although she comes from a hot climate, hates hot weather. 4 Anthony , however, decided not to go. 5 The planet closest to the sun (ie Mercury) has the most extreme temperature variations. 6 The 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings (6 June 1944) was attended by many world leaders. 7 The cheetah —the world's fastest land animal— is native to Africa. 8 If they didn't understand you —a qualified teacher— how will they ever understand me?
How many commas are there in a parenthetic sentence?
Commas are the usual form of punctuation for parenthetics. Remember, if the parenthetic appears in the middle of the sentence there must be TWO commas, one before and one after. Brackets are the next most common form of punctuation for parenthetics.
Can you add parentheticals in a sentence?
Parenthetical expressions give extra information but are not essential. You can add and remove a parenthetical and the sentence works just the same. Some information in a sentence is essential to its meaning, and some information may be less important or "nonessential":
Can parenthetical expressions be removed?
Parenthetical expressions add information but can easily be removed without destroying the meaning or gramm ar of the main sentence .
What is a dash in punctuation?
For a tiny punctuation mark, the dash has sparked an unusual level of debate among writers, grammarians, and punctuation experts. "The dash is seductive, " says Ernest Gowers in "The Complete Plain Words," a style, grammar, and punctuation reference guide.
What is the em dash in writing?
According to Thomas MacKellar, in his 1885 book, " The American Printer: A Manual of Typography " : "The em dash...is frequently used in particular works as a substitute for the comma or for the colon, and is found particularly serviceable in rhapsodical writing, where interrupted sentences frequently occur.".
What does the dash mean in a sentence?
The dash (—) is a mark of punctuation used to set off a word or phrase after an independent clause or a parenthetical remark (words, phrases, or clauses that interrupt a sentence). Don't confuse the dash (—) with the hyphen (-): the dash is longer. As William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White explained in "The Elements of Style":
How to use em dash in a sentence?
There are two basic ways to use an em dash in a sentence: After an independent clause: Author Saul Below, in "My Paris," provides an example of using an em dash after an independent clause: "Life, said Samuel Butler, is like giving a concert on the violin while learning to play the instrument—that, friends, is real wisdom.".
What is the difference between an em dash and an en dash?
There are actually two types of dashes, each with different uses: the em dash —also called the " long dash ," according to Oxford Online Dictionaries—and the en dash, which doesn't have another name but falls between the hyphen and em dash in terms of length. The en dash is so named because it is approximately the equivalent width ...
How to make an em dash in APA style?
To create the em dash on a Macintosh-based system, hold down the Shift and Option keys and press the Minus key [ - ], notes Techwalla, adding that alternatively, you can press the Hyphen key twice and press Space.
When was the dash first used?
The Online Etymology Dictionary says the dash—a "horizontal line used as a punctuation mark"—first appeared in writing and printing in the 1550s. By the late 1800s, the dash had taken on some very specific roles. According to Thomas MacKellar, in his 1885 book, " The American Printer: A Manual of Typography " :
What is a dash in writing?
Dashes. Grammarly. Grammar. A dash is a little horizontal line that floats in the middle of a line of text ( not at the bottom: that’s an underscore). 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.
What are the three forms of dashes?
There are three forms of dashes: em, en, and the double hyphen. The most common types of dashes are the en dash (–) and the em dash (—). A good way to remember the difference between these two dashes is to visualize the en dash as the length of the letter N and the em dash as the length of the letter M. These dashes not only differ in length; they ...
Why do we use em dashes?
However, em dashes are more emphatic than colons. When you want to generate strong emotion in your writing or create a more casual tone , use em dashes. Compare these sentences:
What does the en dash mean?
The en dash is often used to indicate spans of time or ranges of numbers. In this context, the dash should be interpreted as meaning either “to” or “through.” Consider the examples below:
Is an en dash shorter than an em dash?
Recall that en dashes are slightly shorter in length than em dashes. En dashes may look similar to em dashes, but they function in a much different way.
Is the pro choice/pro life argument always a heated one?
The pro-choice–pro-life argument is always a heated one.
Can em dashes replace parentheses?
For instance, em dashes can replace parentheses at the end of a sentence or when multiple commas appear in a parenthetical phrase. After a split second of hesitation, the second baseman leaped for the ball (or, rather, limped for it). After a split second of hesitation, the second baseman leaped for the ball—or, rather, limped for it.
What is a parenthesis in a sentence?
A parenthesis is additional information added into a sentence as an explanation or an afterthought. A parenthesis can be shown using two parentheses (brackets ), two commas, or two dashes. The choice is yours. Here are some guidelines:
What punctuation is used to mark a parenthesis?
Here are some examples with commas, dashes, and parentheses used as parenthetical punctuation to mark a parenthesis. (NB: Try reading each example with the parenthesis removed. It will still make sense.)
What Should I Use for Parenthetical Punctuation?
Remember that it is your choice whether to use commas, parentheses, or dashes. Here is a summary of the pros and cons:
How to separate parenthesis from rest of sentence?
A parenthesis can be separated from the rest of the sentence by commas, dashes, or parentheses (brackets) (all called parenthetical punctuation ). It is your choice which parenthetical punctuation you use. It is normal to use commas, but they can be easily confused with other commas in the sentence. Parentheses (brackets) make your parenthesis ...
What is parenthesis in apposition?
Parenthesis in Apposition. The term "in apposition" just means "the same.". When a parenthesis is the same thing as whatever it follows, it is called parenthesis in apposition . Kent Oliver — the only professional jockey from Jersey — won his first race on Tuesday. (Kent Oliver is the professional jockey.
Do you use a comma or parentheses?
It is your choice whether to use commas, parentheses, or dashes. Here is a summary of the pros and cons: Commas — normal-looking sentence, but commas are often confused with other commas in the sentence. Brackets — parenthesis easily seen, but brackets make official letters look a little unorganized.
When do you use "as a result" in parenthesis?
When they appear mid-sentence, comments such as "however," "therefore," "as a result," "as far as I am concerned," "for all intents and purposes," and "subsequently," "so to speak," fall into the category of parenthesis too. (As a rule, parentheses are not used with these.) For example:
When to use dashes in parentheses?
Dashes are used inside parentheses, and vice versa, to indicate parenthetical material within parenthetical material. The second dash is omitted if it would immediately precede the closing parenthesis; a closing parenthesis is never omitted.
What is a dash in writing?
Dashes set off or introduce defining phrases and lists.
Why do we use em dashes?
In this particular task, em dashes occupy a kind of middle ground among the three: when commas do the job, the material is most closely related to what’s around it, and when parentheses do the job, the material is most distantly related to what’s around it; when dashes do the job the material is somewhere in the middle.
What does an em dash do?
The em dash can function like a comma, a colon, or parenthesis. Like commas and parentheses, em dashes set off extra information, such as examples, explanatory or descriptive phrases, or supplemental facts. Like a colon, an em dash introduces a clause that explains or expands upon something that precedes it.
What does an em dash mean in action?
The Em Dash in Action: A New Direction. An em dash can mark an abrupt change or break in the structure of a sentence. Mabel the Cat was delighted with the assortment of pastries the new bakery featured, but Harry the Dog—he felt otherwise.
When a pair of em dashes sets off material ending with an exclamation point or a?
When a pair of em dashes sets off material ending with an exclamation point or a question mark , the mark is placed inside the dashes.
Is an em dash a colon?
The em dash is sometimes considered a less formal equivalent of the colon and parenthesis, but in truth it’s used in all kinds of writing, including the most formal—the choice of which mark to use is really a matter of personal preference. Spacing around an em dash varies.
What is the offset of parenthetical punctuation called?
The additional information offset by parenthetical punctuation is called a parenthesis. In the US, the term "parentheses" is used specifically for round brackets. For many people in the UK, "parentheses" does not specifically denote round brackets but any type of parenthetical punctuation.
What punctuation marks are used in pairs?
Parenthetical punctuation is used in pairs to offset additional information in a sentence. Parenthetical punctuation includes the following punctuation marks: commas, dashes, and parentheses (called "round brackets" in the UK).
