Use of Dashes

The dash is used in informal writing such as personal letters to set off material that the writer wants to emphasize. When using a dash on the computer, you should hit the dash key twice like this -- . There are no spaces added on either side of the dash. The final dash written on the computer will look like so: The building---the one on the hill---was built in 1995.

Change

Use a dash when you need to indicate a sudden change in thought in a sentence. For example: The answer to the question is---I forget it now.

Emphasize

A dash is used when you need to emphasize or clarify extra information in a sentence. For example: My dress---my favorite dress---got torn on my way to work.

Subordinating Conjunction

To show a relationship between two ideas, use a dash instead of a subordinating conjunction such as after, because, unless. For example: I decided to wear the blue dress after I spilled coffee on the red one. I decided to wear the blue dress---I spilled coffee on the red one.

Conjunctive Adverb

Instead of a conjunctive adverb such as however or furthermore, a dash is used in informal writing to show how two ideas are related. For example: I wanted to be on time for school; however I was late. I wanted to be on time for school---I didn't make it on time.

Overuse

Use dashes sparingly and only use them in informal writing. Dashes normally are not encouraged in professional or academic writing.

References

• Grammar and Composition Handbook; Glencoe Language Arts; 2003

Resources

• Take a Grammar Quiz

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