Dashes are a useful punctuation mark, as they can help indicate a pause or add emphasis, but many people wonder when to use dashes in sentences. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to properly use dashes so that you can prepare for tests like the SAT® or ACT® and learn to improve your writing style.
What is an en dash?
The two main types of dashes are the en dash (–) and the em dash (—). The en dash is slightly shorter than the em dash and is typically used to indicate a range of numbers or dates, such as when saying “pages 46-50” or “between 1990-1995.”
What is an em dash?
An em dash is longer than an en dash. It is used to offset information in a sentence or to add extra information to the end of a sentence. Like commas, semicolons, and colons, em dashes are often used in grammar multiple choice questions on standardized tests.
Dashes to Interrupt a Sentence
Dashes can be used to interrupt a sentence. In these cases, there should be a pair of dashes, meaning that there will be an em dash on each side of the extra information.
When taking the SAT or ACT, be mindful of answer choices that mix and match the punctuation. For example, one can offset extra information with a pair of commas, a pair of dashes, or a pair of parenthesis. One should not, however, use a dash and a comma or a comma and a dash.
To know if the dashes are being used correctly, double check that the sentence still reads correctly if the extra information is omitted (removed) from the sentence. If the sentence doesn’t make sense, chances are the dashes are not needed.
Here are examples of using dashes in sentences:
CORRECT: The three class president candidates—Jamal, Claire, and Tanvir—are well-liked by the student body.
INCORRECT: The three class president candidates—Jamal, Claire, and Tanvir, are well-liked by the student body.
Notice how there is no space between the dashes and the words they are connected too. When typing, if you hit the dash twice, typically, it will autocorrect it for you.
Dashes to Add Information at the End of a Sentence
One can also use an em dash to add extra information to the end of a sentence. This is similar to how to use a colon. Typically, colons are used for a more pronounced pause or to make the writing seem more formal.
To use a dash to add information at the end of a sentence, you must have an independent clause (complete sentence) before the dash. What comes after the dash must be related to the independent clause. It can expand upon, describe, clarify, etc. the preceding thought.
Here’s an example:
CORRECT: Kelly has always known what she wanted to be—a lawyer.
INCORRECT: Kelly has always known—what she wanted to be.
In the correct example, there is a complete sentence before the dash. The words “a lawyer” clarify what Kelly has always wanted to be.
In the incorrect example, there is not a complete sentence before the dash. Instead, the dash interrupts the flow of the sentence.
Want more tips for when to use dashes in sentences? Check out this video here.
Also, be sure to check out this video about when to use a colon and this blog post about using semicolons. Knowing how to use both dashes, colons, and semicolons can help improve your ACT® or SAT® score. Plus, using these advanced punctuation marks helps you vary your syntax in essays.
