When to use a dash in your writings?

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

Moderator: Official Reviewer Representatives

Post Reply
User avatar
Yerenzhu
Posts: 38
Joined: 05 Aug 2018, 15:46
Currently Reading: World, Incorporated
Bookshelf Size: 24
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-yerenzhu.html
Latest Review: My Author Is Dead by Michel Bruneau
Reading Device: B00KC6I06S

When to use a dash in your writings?

Post by Yerenzhu »

Self-explanatory title, but I am curious because I haven't really learned how to master the dash in my writings, could anyone shed light on the topic? I know when to use the ellipses, but the dash I imagine is more complex than the ellipses.
User avatar
EvaDar
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 2295
Joined: 18 Nov 2017, 11:21
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 122
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-evadar.html
Latest Review: Do Not Wish For A Pet Ostrich! by Sarina Siebenaler

Post by EvaDar »

I sometimes use dashes in place of parentheses. I also use dashes as "supercommas," to set off a phrase with more emphasis or pause than a comma would provide. "Upon receiving the letter - the very letter she had addressed herself - she wept silently." Here is a guide I like to use.
http://www.thepunctuationguide.com/em-dash.html
sit in the ocean. it is one of the best medicines on the planet. – the water
-Nayyirah Waheed
User avatar
Sarah Starling
Posts: 163
Joined: 25 Jun 2018, 12:11
Favorite Author: Alix E. Harrow
Favorite Book: Starling House
Currently Reading: Love and Other Words
Bookshelf Size: 10084
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-sarah-starling.html
Latest Review: Cell Biology For Babies by Dr. Haitham Ahmed
Reading Device: B00JG8GOWU
fav_author_id: 176795

Post by Sarah Starling »

Eva Darrington wrote: 28 Aug 2018, 23:57 I sometimes use dashes in place of parentheses. I also use dashes as "supercommas," to set off a phrase with more emphasis or pause than a comma would provide. "Upon receiving the letter - the very letter she had addressed herself - she wept silently." Here is a guide I like to use.
http://www.thepunctuationguide.com/em-dash.html
I love the word "supercommas," that's exactly how I use them too!
User avatar
Mary WhiteFace
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 549
Joined: 05 Apr 2018, 11:29
Favorite Book: Stranger in a Strange Land
Currently Reading: Elemental Magic
Bookshelf Size: 384
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mary-whiteface.html
Latest Review: Bravehorse Adventures by Louise Cleveland
Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG

Post by Mary WhiteFace »

I never really consciously thought about it before, but now that you mention it...I tend to use three dots as super-commas. As I did there. I don't normally use them in formal writing, mostly in texts and private messages.

I don't remember ever using a dash in place of a comma.

Now that it's been brought to my attention, I'm going to check out the link provided by Eva.

Thank you for bringing up the topic. Its interesting.
User avatar
Mary WhiteFace
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 549
Joined: 05 Apr 2018, 11:29
Favorite Book: Stranger in a Strange Land
Currently Reading: Elemental Magic
Bookshelf Size: 384
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-mary-whiteface.html
Latest Review: Bravehorse Adventures by Louise Cleveland
Reading Device: B00IKPYKWG

Post by Mary WhiteFace »

Eva Darrington wrote: 28 Aug 2018, 23:57 I sometimes use dashes in place of parentheses. I also use dashes as "supercommas," to set off a phrase with more emphasis or pause than a comma would provide. "Upon receiving the letter - the very letter she had addressed herself - she wept silently." Here is a guide I like to use.
http://www.thepunctuationguide.com/em-dash.html
Thank you for the link. 💕
User avatar
Braunsucre
Posts: 49
Joined: 11 Jul 2018, 15:37
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 19
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-braunsucre.html
Latest Review: The Traveler's Best Seller by Rick Incorvia

Post by Braunsucre »

Very helpful suggestions, I tend to get confused at times. Thanks.
Post Reply

Return to “International Grammar”