What does it mean when you put a dash between words?

What does it mean when you put a dash between words?

A hyphen joins two or more words together while a dash separates words into parenthetical statements. The two are sometimes confused because they look so similar, but their usage is different. Hyphens are not separated by spaces, while a dash has a space on either side.

Can you use a dash in an essay?

The first thing to know when talking about dashes is that they are almost never required by the laws of grammar and punctuation. Overusing dashes can break up the flow of your writing, making it choppy or even difficult to follow, so don’t overdo it.

What effect do dashes have in writing?

In effect, a dash allows you to redefine what was just written, making it more explicit. You can also use a dash as it is used in the first sentence of this paragraph: to frame an interruptive or parenthetical-type comment that you do not want to de-emphasize.

Can dashes be used in formal writing?

Use an em dash sparingly in formal writing. In informal writing, em dashes may replace commas, semicolons, colons, and parentheses to indicate added emphasis, an interruption, or an abrupt change of thought. Examples: Remember, a colon would be used here in formal writing.

What is an EM rule?

The em rule is roughly the width of a capital M and is commonly known as a dash. You use the em rule to separate text when you: mark an abrupt change in the direction of a sentence.

Is the em dash informal?

Yes, the em dash is used in formal writing. This is more of a life lesson rather than a question of if an em dash is formal or informal. However the ACSSG states “do not use em dashes to separate phrases or nonrestrictive clauses if another form of punctuation can be used”.

Where do you use an em dash?

The em dash can be used in place of a colon when you want to emphasize the conclusion of your sentence. The dash is less formal than the colon. After months of deliberation, the jurors reached a unanimous verdict⁠—guilty. The white sand, the warm water, the sparkling sun⁠—this is what brought them to Fiji.

How do you insert an em dash in Powerpoint?

To add an em dash using an Alt key combination, follow these steps:Click in any text container object to place your insertion point, as shown in Figure 1, below.Figure 1: Place your insertion point.Now hold the Alt key while you type 0151 to insert an em dash (see Figure 2, below)Figure 2: Add an em dash.

What is the difference between a hyphen and a dash on a keyboard?

The dash is often used after an independent clause. The hyphen, on the other hand, is used to join two words together like yellow-green. It usually does not have a space between the words. Also, the dash tends to be slightly longer than the hyphen, and usually would have spaces before and after the symbol.

How do you use an M Dash?

On cell phones running Android’s Gboard or iOS operating systems, press and hold the hyphen on the onscreen keyboard. Several options will pop up, including the em dash. For Windows, press Ctrl+Alt +Minus(-) or Alt+0151.

What is ellipsis mean?

The ellipsis …, . . ., or (in Unicode) …, also known informally as dot-dot-dot, is a series of (usually three) dots that indicates an intentional omission of a word, sentence, or whole section from a text without altering its original meaning. …

Is Ellipsis rude?

Not that ellipses are rude, but they do distort the meaning. Some have said that we use ellipses as a way to try to capture the way we speak, with the pauses, lingering and start-and-stop quality of verbal exchanges.