Two Functions of a Dash

The acceptable functions of a dash vary between writing formats.

English can be a tricky language for both novice and professional writers. In the case of punctuation, learning how to use a dash mark can help you improve your writing style.

Interruption

You can use a dash to denote a sudden twist in thought or a deviation from a sentence's main point. In some cases, the interruption relates to the original idea. For example, "The boy---the one in the white shirt and blue jeans---is my cousin."

Informal Colon

A dash can also be an informal alternative to a colon, which marks the beginning of a list. For example, "We need to buy groceries---milk, eggs, butter and flour."

Considerations

The rules of dash usage vary depending on the writing format you are following. While writing a fiction story or a poem you might use dashes differently than you would when writing a newspaper article or academic essay. For example, Emily Dickinson, a famous poet, used dashes extensively.

References

• Columbia University: The Dash