How to Use Dashes in a Sentence

William Strunk, Jr. said, "A dash is a mark of separation stronger than a comma, less formal than a colon, and more relaxed than parentheses." That much is true, and he sums up perfectly how the dash should be used. What sets a dash apart from most forms of punctuation is that there is not one specific use for it.

Things You'll Need

• English book for reference
• Blank paper
• Pen
• Patience

Instructions

1. Consider the quote from Strunk mentioned above: "A dash is a mark of separation stronger than a comma, less formal than a colon, and more relaxed than parentheses." What does that truly mean? It is important to first note that dashes--when used in typing--should be done with two hyphens.1. A dash should be used when you want people to be sure to notice your intended separation in a sentence. If you want to draw their attention directly to that separation, a dash should win out every time. An example of this would be: What Olivia longed for--if she could have wished for anything--was the key to his heart.

2. Let's consider the second part of the quote. A dash is less formal than a colon. It should be used in circumstances when a colon would stiffen things up. When you are writing such things as a thesis paper, make sure to keep the colon. When you are writing a short story with a casual character, you want the dash.For example, consider the following sentence:He piled them all into his truck--the ladder, the paint and the empty barrels. The dash is correct.

3. The dash is more relaxed than parenthesis. You don't want to use it in your writing examples on a great test, but you do want to keep the dashes in much of your writing. Switching dashes for parenthesis keeps your writing from being repetitive in form, and it serves a definite purpose to the point of a sentence in which it is used.An example of this would be:If I knew what you wanted--which I don't--then I would give it to you.This is correct because it does not need to be formal, and the structure lends itself to the dash. While parenthesis would still be grammatically correct, it is preferable to use dashes whenever appropriate to the situation.

4. Use a dash to show a break in thought or sentence structure. Although not covered in the above quote, that is an important use for a dash.An example of this would be:I'm trying to become--did you take the garbage out?

5. Practice, practice, practice. Take examples from books, and see how and why they chose the dash. Try it in your own writing, then check it against correct form. Repeat until it becomes a second nature part of your writing. It will soon become something you use in sentences without a second thought.

Tips & Warnings

• Always try substituting another kind of punctuation for the dash. This is so that you check its correct placement.

• Switch up choices of punctuation so that your writing always seems most fresh.

• Ask for help when you need it. Don't be afraid to ask a teacher, or somebody who is great at English, to proof read ideas or practice tries. Knowing you are on the right path can provide the extra assurance to keep practicing and perfecting!

• Use dashes sparingly. Although they are a refreshing and needed choice in writing, it will be detrimental to your writing to use the dash too often.

• Don't try to force a dash in a formal paper unless it is in the perfect set of circumstances, where no alternative form of punctuation makes sense.