1. Dashes! Writing Class

2. The Dash A dash is used to do two jobs: 1. Signal an interruption 2. Add in additional information (think appositives)

3. The Dash – Signaling an interruption This usually happens when someone is talking. When you write dialogue and your character gets cut off, you can add a dash inside quotation marks to signify that they have been interrupted. THERE IS NO PERIOD AFTER THE DASH. For example: “But I–” he began to wail. “Let me expl—” she started.

4. The Dash- Adding additional information This can be in the middle or at the end of the sentence. This is very similar to appositives. You can use either a set of commas or a set of dashes to include extra information. The extra information is not needed to make the sentence complete. For example: Lord of the Rings– my favorite movie– is amazing! I know who is at the door—Bob! Tomorrow—my birthday– will be a great day. Let’s make a promise—never lie to each other!