![]() Some people consider the em dash as more suitable for informal writing. It can separate independent clauses from subordinate clauses to help a writer expand on an idea. Note that the en dash doesn’t join compound words the way hyphens do.Īn em dash is one of the three kinds of dashes that functions like a comma, a colon, or parentheses in introducing a clause. One of the most common punctuation mistakes we make is getting confused between a hyphen and a dash. Correct: She’s a National Book Award–winning author.Incorrect: She’s a National Book Award-winning author.Correct: Chicago–New York train (en dash).Incorrect: Chicago-New York train (hyphen).The odd name comes from the simple fact that it has the same width as the lowercase letter n. The symbol is longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash. Some people also use it to separate complex compound words. ![]() The conference will take place on July 15–17.The en dash is one of the different types of dashes used to indicate a range in time periods, distance, and more. The correct spelling of goodbye is g-o-o-d-b-y-e.The president-elect withdrew his candidacy after being exposed for plunder.You can also use it to avoid the awkward doubling of vowels in a compound term. Another usage of the hyphen is to divide a word where there’s not enough space for the whole word. In the English language, hyphens are used to form compound words. Let’s go to the library to finish the essay Tuesday would be great.Use it to join a clause and a larger clause without a conjunction. Like commas, parentheses, and em dashes, a semicolon’s function is separating elements within sentences. The correct rice-to-water ratio is 1:2.Somehow, everyone forgot the important announcement: Jade and Ryan are getting married.Ĭolons also have other uses on a regular basis:.Meg has three options after college: apply as an instructional designer, learning engineer, or curriculum specialist.You’ll find this punctuation mark in any kind of writing. It can also connect clauses like an em dash and a comma. The partner I have chosen is you, Jacob.Ī colon is used to introduce additional information.This house used to be orange and blue, but they changed it to lilac and yellow.Millie, you look stunning in your beaded dress.You need to include this punctuation mark, whether the name is at the beginning or end of the sentence. You can also use the comma to set off nouns as direct addresses. It’s usually found before a coordinating conjunction (for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). Use the comma to separate ideas and independent clauses. One common cause of grammar mistakes in American English is the lack of commas. Ugh! I can’t stop myself from spending money on books.Use it at the end of an exclamatory sentence to show strong emotion. The punctuation symbol for this is a straight vertical line with a period at the bottom. One of the most basic punctuation marks is the exclamation point. Would you mind grabbing a few vegetables before you go home?.Could you give me your mobile number for future transactions?.How does it feel to be living my dream?Īn indirect question is a more polite way of making a request or asking for information.These sentences can be in the form of a direct question or an indirect question.Ī direct question is an interrogative sentence that asks an “ordinary” question. It’s known for being a one-job punctuation mark because it simply communicates questions. In grammar, a question mark is a familiar punctuation used to end interrogative sentences. You’ll also find a period in abbreviations, as in “Mrs.” and “Mr.” Monte Carlo is my comfort movie every time I feel lonely.Please take care of the shoes I’m lending you.Using it to separate sentences helps make your writing clearer. You can also use it to finish imperative sentences.Ī period also indicates complete sentences. Anyone knows the answer to “What is a period used for?” because it’s simply for ending declarative sentences. The period is one of the most common punctuation marks.
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