An em dash is a versatile punctuation mark that looks like an extended dash. It is used to break up a longer sentence, usually to insert a phrase into the middle or end of a sentence, to add modification phrases to a list, and sometimes to show a break in narration or conversation. E...
We can also use em dashes to cut off thoughts or dialogue, as in the example below. “Then we went to this really nice café and he—oh! Look at that squirrel!” Examples of Using an Em Dash in a Sentence Here are some more examples em dashes in sentences. He asked—well, more...
This sentence would be written with a semicolon in formal writing. Tim got an "A" on his spelling test; therefore, he gets a longer recess.3. Use an em dash to show a sudden change of thoughtExamples:I was going to buy a—what did you say she wanted for her birthday? Mom needs ...
The Em Dash Indicates a New Direction An em dash can mark an abrupt change or break in the structure of a sentence. Mabel the Cat was delighted with the assortment of pastries the new bakery featured, but Harry the Dog—he felt otherwise, for the bakery did not offer cheese Danishes at...
If the phrase is at the end of the sentence, you only need one em dash: The secret weapon of a good writer is the thesaurus—hundreds of synonyms for each word. 2. To replace commas—in style Commas often serve the same role as parentheses, they add extra info to a sentence. This ...
2. Which punctuation mark should go in this sentence? The Braves lost 7 __ 0 against the Saracens on Saturday. a. hyphen b. en dash c. em dash 3. Which punctuation mark can appear between compound adjectives? a. hyphen b. en dash c. em dash ...
The em dash in place of a colon The em dash can be used in place of acolonwhen you want to emphasize the conclusion of your sentence. The dash is less formal than the colon. Examples After months of deliberation, the jurors reached a unanimous verdict—guilty. ...
Use an em dash to mark sharp turns in thought Em dashes can also signal an interruption or a sudden change in the direction a writer was heading with a particular sentence. This technique is best suited for creative or informal writing. If you use it in academic writing, you might look ...
(-)for mac. anem dashis about the width of the letter‘m’, which is where it gets its name when you think of an em dash, think ofemphasis. they often help emphasize specific information. long dasheshelp add clarity, signal a break, or indicate an interruption in a sentence. typically...
Dashes emphasize information, show breaks or changes in thought, and connect related ideas in a sentence. Writers often use dashes instead of commas, periods, or parentheses. There are three kinds of dashes: en dash, em dash, and double hyphen. The en dash and em dash appear frequently. Wh...