the em dash.
The dash (—), also called the em dash, is the long horizontal bar, much longer than a hyphen. Few keyboards have a dash, but a word processor can usually produce one in one way or another.
Contents
What are the three types of hyphens?
There are actually three different types of dashes: the em-dash, the en-dash, and the 3-em dash. The em-dash can be used to replace parentheses, colons, and commas. Generally, using the em-dash makes the writing style more informal—as if you were writing to an old friend.
What do elongated hyphens do?
An em dash is known as an elongated hyphen (about the length of three hyphens) that is used for specific purposes. An elongated hyphen emphasises the smooth flow of the sentence. So, out of the options given we have to identify the best-elongated sentence which shows the smooth flow of the sentence.
Is an em dash a hyphen?
Whether or not you use spaces around your em dashes (word—word or word — word) is a matter of style.Remember, em dashes are not interchangeable with hyphens. Using a single hyphen instead of an em dash can confuse readers and make your writing look unprofessional.
What is a hyphen in grammar?
A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that’s used to join words or parts of words. It’s not interchangeable with other types of dashes. Use a hyphen in a compound modifier when the modifier comes before the word it’s modifying.
Is extra long hyphenated?
When you use extra as an adverb meaning very, you usually don’t need a hyphen to join it to the word it modifies:You do need a hyphen, however, when extra is part of a compound modifier preceding the word it modifies: We’re planning extra-special holidays this year.
How do you hyphenate elongated?
To insert an em dash, click where you want to insert the em dash and then press Ctrl + Alt + – (minus sign on the numeric keypad). To insert an en dash, click where you want to insert the en dash and then press Ctrl + – (minus sign on the numeric keypad).
Why is it called an em dash?
The character is called an em dash because it is one em wide, a length that varies depending on the font size. One em is the same length as the font’s height (which is typically measured in points). So in 9-point type, an em dash is nine points wide, while in 24-point type the em dash is 24 points wide.
What is a colon English?
A colon is a punctuation mark used to introduce lists, quotes, or further explanation. It is also used to separate items in non-grammatical structures.
Which dash is about half the length of an em dash?
en dash
Despite its name, the en dash has more in common with the hyphen than with the em dash. In fact, it helps to think of the en dash, which is half the length of the em, as a variant of the hyphen.
How do you use a colon in a sentence?
To join sentences.
You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first. Both sentences should be complete, and their content should be very closely related.
What is a hyphenated word examples?
Hyphenated Compound Word Examples
- two-fold.
- check-in.
- merry-go-round.
- father-in-law.
- seventy-two.
- long-term.
- up-to-date.
- mother-in-law.
What’s a hyphen look like?
Alternatively known as a dash, subtract, negative, or minus sign, the hyphen ( – ) is a punctuation mark on the underscore key next to the “0” key on US keyboards. Pictured is an example of the hyphen and underscore key on top of the keyboard.Keyboard help and support.
Where do you hyphenate words?
The Hyphen
- Use a hyphen at the end of a line to divide a word where there is not enough space for the whole word.
- Use a hyphen to indicate a word spelled out letter by letter.
- Use a hyphen to join two or more words to form compound adjectives that precede a noun.
- Use a hyphen to avoid awkward doubling of vowels.
Do you hyphenate at large?
“At large” is not hyphenated in this context (the suspect is at large). But there are phrases such as “ambassador-at-large” where the entire phrase is hyphenated.
What kind of dash goes between dates?
en dash
An en dash is a mid-sized dash (longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash) that is mostly used to show ranges in numbers and dates.
Do you capitalize after an em dash?
Don’t capitalize after a dash unless it’s a proper noun that follows. Second—and I’m going to be pedantic here—those examples don’t use proper dashes for what they’re trying to convey. There are two kinds of dashes: en and em. Em dashes are longer and have no spaces before or after—like this.
What words do you use a semicolon after?
2. Use a semicolon between independent clauses linked with a transitional expression.
accordingly | finally | likewise |
---|---|---|
besides | however | nevertheless |
certainly | incidentally | next |
consequently | indeed | nonetheless |
conversely | instead | otherwise |
What is the meaning of semicolon tattoo?
A semicolon tattoo is a tattoo of the semicolon punctuation mark (;) used as a message of affirmation and solidarity against suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues.
What is a semicolon grammar?
A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. When a semicolon is used to join two or more ideas (parts) in a sentence, those ideas are then given equal position or rank.
What is a lowercase dash called?
An en dash is a typographic dash that is as wide as a lowercase “n” character. These dashes are typically used to denote ranges of numbers, as in 3–7. You create an en dash by pressing Ctrl and the minus sign on the numeric keypad.