Grammatically Correct 4/05/05
A weekly grammar tip created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors.
University of Houston-Victoria
3007 N. Ben Wilson
Victoria, TX 77901
Using Dashes Properly
by Jeremey White
Dashes are used to separate interrupting elements from the main thought of sentences. They set off phrases that are added to sentences or interrupt the thought in the middle of sentences.

Dashes can be used as a stylistic tool, implementing sharp changes in thought and setting off abrupt statements within a sentence. The dash usually prepares the reader for an important statement. However, the dash can be overused, and writers should use it with caution.


Use dashes at the end of sentences to emphasize or show an abrupt change in thought

Ex. The team is a valuable asset to our company—when they are here.
Ex. The students failed the class—they plagiarized.

Use dashes to summarize or illustrate a thought

Ex. Bears, lions, sharks—these are examples of predators.
Ex. While visiting her friend in Alaska, Julie was amazed at the beauty of the state—the trees, the mountains, the snow and the wildlife.


Use dashes to set off an abrupt interruption within a sentence

Ex. Elvis Presley—considered one of the greatest rock-in-roll singers by some—was a good actor.
Ex. Visiting the wildlife refuge—spanning over a million acres—is fun.

Recommended Grammar Website of the Week
by Summer Leibensperger

In addition to our website, we recommend the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Writer's Handbook.

UW-Madison's handbook has a page on using dashes available at http://www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/Dashes.html.

Test Your Knowledge
by Jeremey White
In the following sentences, add dashes where appropriate.

1. He was fired for not following the rules a hard lesson learned.
2. John one of Julie’s brothers is coming over today.
3. John, Julie, Joe they are siblings.
4. The painting worth more than 100,000 dollars was auctioned yesterday.
5. There are several spices needed to make an Italian sauce oregano, garlic, basil, and rosemary.


Answers

1. He was fired for not following the rules—a hard lesson learned.
2. John—one of Julie’s brothers—is coming over today.
3. John, Julie, Joe—they are siblings.
4. The painting—worth more than 100,000 dollars—was auctioned yesterday.
5. There are several spices needed to make an Italian sauce—oregano, garlic, basil, and rosemary.

 

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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