BRACKETS AND DASHES () <> -- { } [ ]-

THE DASH – A dash (-) can function like a colon to introduce: A quotation John McEnroe’s famous phrase – “You cannot be serious”. A list Murray has beaten some of the world’s best – Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.

The Dash – An explanation I can’t do passing shots– my forehand is not good enough. An elaboration Federer is one of the best players ever – he has a perfect spin on his backhand and forehand and a powerful serve. A summing up Rackets, balls, sneakers, caps and shorts – all tennis equipment.

- THE DASH can be used to: replace other punctuation marks colons, semi-colons, commas or brackets. -

THE DASH is especially used in informal or conversational writing. It was a great match– everyone enjoyed it.

Brackets mark off ‘parentheses’ which means: The practice in written or printed language of placing certain statements between a pair of such punctuation marks as commas, dashes, and brackets, to show that they are asides or interruptions in the normal flow of text.

() ,, <> [] {} -- Brackets can be: Commas: Murray, although lanky, is physically very strong. Dashes: Venus Williams – although physically big and strong – is very graceful on court.

() ,, <> [] {} -- Brackets can be: Well... brackets: Djokovic hits the ball harder (than Murray, anyway) and he should win the match.

Finally, brackets can even go around other brackets: Today I am going to go to Wimbledon – (it is so cold outside, I must be mad) – mainly because the tickets cost me a packet.

Copy the following in to your jotters:

A dash (-) can function like a colon to introduce a quotation or a list, an explanation, elaboration, or a summing up. Two dashes can mark off a parenthesis. A dash can be used to replace other punctuation marks (colons, semi-colons, commas) or brackets. Dashes are especially used in informal writing to mark off conversational or colloquial asides.

A parenthesis is a word or phrase inserted into a sentence to explain or elaborate. It may be placed in brackets or between dashes or commas. Brackets: Djokovic hits the ball harder (than Murray, anyway) and he should win the match. Dashes: Venus Williams – although physically big and strong – is very graceful on court. Commas: Murray, although lanky, is physically very strong.

Are you delighted with dashes and barmy for brackets? Good luck!