How To Use Comma Dash

Take a look at this example.

How to use comma dash. Parenthetical phrase with commas. When a thought is left unfinished however a dash should be used instead. Depending on the context the em dash can take the place of commas parentheses or colons in each case to slightly different effect. You could use dashes. Notwithstanding its versatility the em dash is best limited to two appearances per sentence.

Em dashes can be used in pairs to replace commas when writing a parenthetical or interruptive phrase. The dashes have a slightly more emphatic feel making the reader focus on this information that is set inside the special marks. This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation. Use a dash to cut off dialogue. After reading the handout you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing.

Movie night is more of an aside or comment than a clarification. Could use commas in the 15th century when of course nobody had electricity water was often pumped by hand. The em dash is perhaps the most versatile punctuation mark. It doesn t seem like enough of an interruption or a dramatic statement to me to merit dashes but it s a judgment call. An em dash is made by typing two hyphens.

Conversely use a shorter en dash to indicate a range of numbers like 10 15. 1 the use of comma is for depicting a brief pause when one has to provide side information about something. Place em dashes around non essential information or a list in the middle of a sentence like you would with commas. Movie night is so far removed from the flow of the sentence that you wouldn t want to use commas around it. Use a longer em dash to join independent clauses with words like and but as or and for.

The comma before that is unnecessary. Semicolons colons and dashes. Use a dash to show a pause or break in meaning in the middle of a sentence. You re more likely to miss a punctuation question by adding unnecessary punctuation than by leaving out punctuation that s needed. My brothers richard and john are visiting hanoi.