With a hyphen, you don’t press the space bar on either side of it. Well-dressed young lady. The all-American quarterback. With a dash, you DO press the space bar on either side of it. The computer automatically makes it wider. We were surprised – in fact, amazed – to learn that the game had been called off.

Sometimes words, phrases, and sentences are used parenthetically; that is, they break into the main thought of a sentence. The penguin, however, has swum away. Her worry (how could she explain the mix- up?) kept her up all night. Using the dash

Most parenthetical elements are set off by commas and parentheses. Sometimes, however, parenthetical elements are such an interruption that a stronger mark is needed. In such cases, a dash is used. Using the dash

A dash creates a longer, more emphatic pause than a comma and usually shows an abrupt change in thought. - use a dash to set off or emphasize other interrupters that show an abrupt change in thought. the dash emphasizes an added comment

- use a dash to set off one sentence that interrupts another The truth is – and I am quite sure of this – Star Wars is the greatest movie ever made. - use a dash to set off or emphasize other interrupters that show an abrupt change in thought. Wheaton South – get a load of their ugly uniforms – is located on Butterfield road. the dash emphasizes an added comment

- use a dash to emphasize an added change in thought. the dash emphasizes an added comment The winner is – but I don’t want to give it away yet. It was an exciting game – Brazil had taken the lead, but Italy had scored in overtime.

Use a dash to indicate an abrupt break in thought or speech: There are a thousand reasons – well, not a thousand, but many – that we should go. Our dog – he’s a long-haired poodle – is too affectionate to be a good watchdog. Using the dash

Use a dash to indicate an unfinished thought in speech: The actress started, “This is so – ” and then choked up so much she couldn’t continue. Using the dash

1. Chemistry class man, that’s a hard subject is required for graduation. 2. Very few students four, to be accurate studied for the quiz. 1. Chemistry class – man, that’s a hard subject – is required for graduation. 2. Very few students – four, to be accurate – studied for the quiz. Where does the dash go?

1. “Why why can’t I come, too?” Janet asked hesitantly. 2. You’re being” Tina began then stopped. 1. “Why – why can’t I come, too?” Janet asked hesitantly. 2. You’re being – ” Tina began then stopped. Where does the dash go?

Use a dash to indicate namely, that is, or in other words or to otherwise introduce an introduction. I know what we could get Mom for her birthday – a new photo album. [namely] She could put all those loose pictures – the ones she’s taken since Christmas – in it. [that is] more on the dash

Whenever you are tempted to use a dash, remember to use no more than two per sentence. If you do use two, they should act like parentheses. After the accident, Karena looked – and she would be the first to admit it – very ashen and sickly. more on the dash