0

In my thesis, I want to thank my friend "XY". So I was wondering if it is correct to write the following:

Lastly, I want to express my most profound appreciation to the person who was there for me emotionally and mentally while supporting me from the day we met - XY.

Now I want to know if it is correct to write her name after the dash in this sentence? Or if writing creates any ambiguities.

Improve this question
2
  • 4
    Please do use a dash and not a hyphen, though.
    – Andrew Leach ♦
    Jul 11, 2022 at 14:06
  • Sometimes you see at the end of a statement something like "—XY", meaning that the statement is signed by XY. In fact, look after this comment to see such an example
    – GEdgar
    Jul 11, 2022 at 16:20

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

Yes this is correct, it refers to the "person who was there for [you]" clause. There are no ambiguities here.

Improve this answer
-1

Formally, you would want to thank

... the person who was there for me and supported me: XY.

or

... the person who was there for me and supported me, XY.

A dash following an epigram should be an em dash, and normally precedes an attribution. For example,

XY, you were always there for me and supported me. Never say never again. — Bond007

Em dashes may be used internally, so there could be some ambiguity. For example,

. ... to the person—XY—who was always there for me and supported me.

I wouldn’t write this sentence with a final phrase set off by an em dash, however. That is more the function of a colon or comma.

Improve this answer
2
  • In the question, the name comes before the period. It is not a dash following an epigram, but a dash as part of an epigram.
    – xyldke
    Jul 11, 2022 at 15:46
  • I think this answer shows that there is some ambiguity. My first instinct was also to see the dash as part of an attribution.
    – xyldke
    Jul 11, 2022 at 15:49

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.