How To Use Dashes In Middle Of Sentence
Notwithstanding its versatility the em dash is best limited to two appearances per sentence.
How to use dashes in middle of sentence. An em dash also called a long dash or thick dash is approximately the width of the letter m which is where it earns its name. Do not confuse a dash with a hyphen which is shorter. Dashes are used to extend a sentence to replace colons semicolons or three dots. Use a longer em dash to join independent clauses with words like and but as or and for. Dashes are often used informally instead of commas colons and brackets.
This grammar lesson offers an explanation on the correct use of dashes and gives examples of dashes used in sentences. On both sides of a list in the middle of a sentence when that list contains commas. To properly use a dash in an english sentence start by identifying which dash you should use. A dash may or may not have a space on either side of it. Here are some different situations when you can use an em dash.
However some people use only one dash to tack a complete sentence onto another complete sentence. Ap style calls for a space on both sides of an em dash but most other styles including mla and apa omit the spaces. These dashes not only differ in length. What is an em dash and when should you use it. Two dashes can emphasize material in the middle of a sentence.
The words between a pair of dashes may or may not form a complete sentence. Place em dashes around non essential information or a list in the middle of a sentence like you would with commas. Read also about the difference between dashes and hyphens. This is a punctuation lesson on using dashes. The em dash is perhaps the most versatile punctuation mark.
They also serve different functions within a sentence. Dashes are often used to signal an abrupt change in a sentence. 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. Depending on the context the em dash can take the place of commas parentheses or colons in each case to slightly different effect. Some style and grammar guides even permit you to write a complete sentence within the dashes.