Dashes, Ellipses, Question marks, and Exclamations This is it, the final grammar notes for the rest of the school year.

Dashes Like commas, semicolons, colons, and ellipses, the dash represents an interrupton, or an abrupt change of thought. Experienced writers know that these marks are not interchangeable. Note how Dashes subtly change the tone of the sentence.

Dashes Note how Dashes subtly change the tone of the sentence: You are the friend, the only friend, who offered to help me. You are the friend—the only friend—who offered to help me. I pay the bills; he has all the fun. I pay the bills—he has all the fun. I wish you would… oh, never mind. I wish you would—oh, never mind.

Dashes rule 1 Words and phrases between dashes are not generally part of the subject. Example: Joe—and his trusty lobster—was always welcome.

Dashes rule 2 Dashes replace otherwise mandatory punctuation, such as commas after Iowa and 2013 in the following examples. Example: The man from Ames, Iowa, arrived. The man—he was from Ames, Iowa—arrived. The May 1, 2013, edition of the Ames Sentinel arrived in June. The Ames Sentinel—dated May 1, 2013—arrived in June.

Ellipses An ellipsis (Plural: Ellipses) is a mark consisting of three dots. Use an ellipsis when omitting a word, phrase, line, paragraph, or more from a quoted passage. Ellipses save space or remove material that is less relevant. They are useful in getting right to the point without delay or distraction.

Ellipses Ellipses can express hesitation, changes of mood, suspense, or thoughts trailing off. Writers also use ellipses to indicate a pause or wavering in an otherwise straightforward sentence. I don’t know… I’m not sure. Pride is one thing, but what happens if he…? He said, “I… really don’t… understand this.”

Question Marks rule 1 Use a question mark only after a direct question. Example: Correct: Will you go with me? Incorrect: I’m asking if you will go with me?

Question Marks rule 2a A question mark replaces a period at the end of a sentence. Who are you?

Question Mark rule 2b Capitalize the first word after using a question mark. Are you ready to go? Are you ready now?

Question Mark rule 3a Do not use a question mark for an indirect question, which are statements that contain questions. Use a period after an indirect question. Example: I wonder if she would go with me.

Question Mark rule 3b Do not use question marks when asking theoretical questions because they do not expect an answer. Example: What wouldn’t I do for you. Would you steal candy from a baby.

Question Marks rule 4 Use question marks when a sentence is half a statement and half a question. Example: You do care, don’t you?

Question Marks rule 5 Placing question marks inside of quotation marks follows logic. If a question is being asked in the quote, you should place it inside the quotes. If you are using a quote to ask question, place it outside the quotes. Example: She asked, “will you be my valentine?” Do you agree with the saying “Cash rules everything around me”?

Exclamation rule 1 Use an exclamation point to show emotion, emphasis, or surprise. Example: I’m truly shocked by your behavior!

Exclamation rule 2 An exclamation point replaces a period at the end of the sentence. Example: I’m truly shocked by your behavior!

Exclamation rule 3 Do not use an exclamation point during formal business. Example: I am so excited to have sold 500 units this summer.

Exclamation rule 4 Overuse of exclamation points are a sign undisciplined writing. Do not use even one of these marks unless you are expecting an answer. Example: Are you going to stand there all day.