Questions tagged [dashes]
The dash is a family of punctuation marks which are not part of a word, but resemble long hyphens in appearance.
4
votes
1answer
75 views
In British English, which is more common — the em dash or the en dash?
I'm reasonably certain the em dash is more common than the en dash in American English. But which of the two is more common in British English?
1
vote
1answer
45 views
Dictating hyphen or dash over the phone
How should I dictate hyphen in email address or url over the phone ?
My email is gabriel hyphen glenn at gmail dot com
My email is gabriel dash glenn at gmail dot com
0
votes
1answer
31 views
What punctuation should you use after a list?
What punctuation should you use after a list and before describing the list? In the example below, what should I use where I have used a dash? Or is the dash correct?
"Some examples of Apple’s ...
0
votes
1answer
39 views
Do I use a dash or a semicolon here, or something else entirely?
Is it
"In other words, you can compare my existence in the dating world with living in the Sahara--bone dry with the occasional oasis appearing"
or
"In other words, you can compare my existence in ...
1
vote
1answer
66 views
Is the folllowing sentence correctly punctuated?
Could someone please tell me if I've correctly punctuated the following sentence (specifically, if I've correctly used the dash and commas highlighted bloew)? Also, is the period at the end of the ...
0
votes
1answer
21 views
Use of comma before the words “irregardless”, “where” and after a period in time
I'm unsure as to whether or not to include a comma within the two sentences outlined below (I've bolded the specific sections). In the first sentence, I have a feeling a dash might be more appropriate....
0
votes
1answer
36 views
Student t-distribution: why the dash
In statistics, the t-distribution is important. It is an approximation to the normal distribution. Of course we don't say "normal-distribution" (with the dash).
Well then, what exactly is the ...
0
votes
1answer
96 views
Dashes in lists
As a mathematician I often have to explain the notation in my writing. For example, I write:
"F denotes my favourite function, A - a beautiful set and K - an important kernel."
Should I use dashes ...
0
votes
1answer
66 views
Dash after the prefix “non”
Is the hyphen that we often see in words such as "non-zero", "non-trivial", etc. optional?
In case the answer is negative, is there any rule of thumb on which one may rely in order to recall when ...
2
votes
2answers
52 views
from [time]-[time]
I see people using expressions such as "join us from 10am-2pm on January 3" or "we are going from January-May." Should "from" be there since there is no "until" or "to"?
0
votes
1answer
302 views
Which do you read x' as dash or prime?
In Japan, it is occasionally said that x' should be read as eks-prime in mathematical contexts. However, there are several cases to read eks-dash. In addition, a person says that eks-dash was ...
2
votes
3answers
360 views
Should I use a hyphen, an en dash, or an em dash to define or introduce a word? [closed]
I have looked up online and studied usages for the hyphen, en dash, and em dash. I still haven't found an answer if I can define words with a dash in English.
The backstory on dashes defining ...
1
vote
2answers
73 views
Is it acceptable to place a comma after the em-dash in this sentence? [duplicate]
Due to financial struggles brought on by marital struggles—or perhaps it was the other way around—, the family had to forsake it as the bank foreclosed on it.
I normally wouldn't place a comma, but ...
1
vote
3answers
74 views
How would one correctly place punctuation marks in this sentence?
Moth-like, the people buzzed about: walking, driving, directing— each
to their own light.
I'm not sure whether each comma, colon, dash and hyphen are used correctly here. Please help!
Also, this ...
0
votes
1answer
29 views
Colons vs Em dash ?
The designer envisions the game’s fundamental elements: the settings, characters, and plots that make each game unique, and is thus a primary creative force behind a video game.
A) NO CHANGE
B) ...
1
vote
2answers
477 views
What should I use when introducing dialogue, hyphens, en-dashes or em-dashes? [closed]
I have always use the hyphen when introducing dialogue.
-I love skating, but I'm not very good at it.
But I have recently been educated about the existence and use of en/em dashes. Now, I think I ...
1
vote
2answers
115 views
Should we use an em dash, en dash, or semi-colon
A sentence is causing some discussion in the office - it's about a Nylon product. We are not sure if we should use an en-dash, em-dash, semi-colon, or something else entirely. I thought an em-dash was ...
0
votes
1answer
342 views
Usage of en dash in a CV
I write the date in my résumé in the following format:
7/2017–present
4/2015–6/2017
8/2010–3/2015
Is this the right way to do it? I am asking because I also saw the following notation:
7/2017 – ...
1
vote
2answers
50 views
I tend to overuse the hyphen as a pause, and would appreciate some feedback on this [duplicate]
An example of the way I tend to use the hyphen would be:
Some people are genetically predisposed to build muscle - I am not one of them.
I usually do this more often when I am in a hurry. Still, I ...
0
votes
0answers
32 views
How is a dash used in English [duplicate]
Is a dash used between words in word combinations like fill up? Or is it fill-up?
0
votes
1answer
63 views
(un)conditional or (un-)conditional?
I want to write "conditional (mean imputation)" and "unconditional (mean imputation)" shorter, which of these 4 is the best way to do that? If multiple ways are correct, which is the most common (in ...
4
votes
3answers
2k views
Is the em dash used in formal writing?
Is it valid to use em dashes in formal writing? My teacher said it's informal to use em dashes under any circumstances, so I just wanted to make sure. I've gone through several related questions in ...
4
votes
2answers
365 views
em dashes and question marks
Would it be correct to use the question mark as it is written in the following sentence? "If your cousin invites you to visit—and why would he not?—I will expect your return after only nine days."
1
vote
1answer
70 views
How are dashes used when referring to the work of someone? [closed]
Example: [Artist] - [Song]
Is that little line supposed to be a hyphen, non-breaking hyphen, figure-/en-/em-dash, horizontal bar, minus sign or double oblique hyphen? Are there supposed to be spaces ...
0
votes
1answer
61 views
the usage of dashes before relative pronouns [closed]
I came across these two sentences:
Today, his sculptures – which spin, tilt, and sway – belong to collections worldwide.
Today, his sculptures – spin, tilt, and sway – belong to collections ...
1
vote
0answers
112 views
Specific Semicolon vs. Dash Case
and thanks for taking the time to read my question.
I was writing an essay not too long ago, and I ended up writing a sentence that goes like this:
As people convert to higher-paid jobs the birth ...
1
vote
1answer
59 views
Sentence Structure (linking)
In saying:
There are a lot of benefits for the new model of transportation, the Smartcopter.
How do I name the model of transportation as the Smartcopter in one sentence as shown in the example ...
0
votes
1answer
29 views
Can I make minor typographical corrections to a title in citations? [closed]
Let's say I need to cite a website or printed report with the title:
Broccoli production in Ruritania, 1990-2010
with a hyphen in "1990-2010." In English typography, though, the standard indicator ...
-1
votes
1answer
184 views
Is it correct to say “inter- disciplinary/national” instead of “interdisciplinary and international”?
I'm trying to be more concise with my words. Does writing "inter- disciplinary/national" to describe to my educational background make sense? If not, what's a good alternative?
0
votes
0answers
33 views
How to punctuate interrupted dialogue [duplicate]
What is the best way to punctuate interrupted dialogue? I have seen it done like this, but I am not sure if it is correct.
"In my opinion the best w--"
"Nobody is interested in your opinion," Fred ...
2
votes
1answer
96 views
What do these sentences from “When Dinosaurs Roamed North Dakota” mean? [closed]
[W]e passed rolling hills with emerald green grass, farmhouses dotting
acres of fields and wild, rocky landscapes. (Hillary Richard, "When Dinosaurs Roamed North Dakota", New York
Times)
I ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
Semicolon followed by a dash;—What is it?
I see repeated use in numerous 19th printed texts and manuscripts, both British and American, of a semi-colon followed by an em dash. It is clearly a punctuation device that was used frequently in ...
0
votes
1answer
134 views
Necessary punctuation in sentence
There was a sentence in a released* ACT test a while back. This was the sentence.
"I ride this trail nearly everyday - not on a bike, but on 'Luigi'."
It seems to me that the interior punctuation is ...
3
votes
1answer
760 views
The Em Dash: Afterthought or Added Emphasis?
Whenever I read a piece of writing that includes an em dash, I'm unsure wether to read it as an afterthought or added emphasis. Here's two examples I made:
The em dash being used as an afterthought:
...
0
votes
1answer
66 views
Serial Punctuation in multiple complex clauses, with references
I am trying to edit an academic paper, with a complex sentence which includes an interpolation within em dashes. The interpolation terminates with a reference in brackets, and is also the first item ...
2
votes
2answers
589 views
are the days of using dashes over?
I ran into a sentence which I would like to share in here to prepare the context for my question.
"it was shown that TBT, HBT, and HSDT1 have the same results in order to derive fundamental ...
-1
votes
1answer
312 views
Is this use of en dash legitimate? [duplicate]
In the following sentence, how do you understand the en dash?
Our findings are very interesting from an international viewpoint – business tourism.
Is the use of the en dash appropriate here?
...
1
vote
2answers
112 views
Slashes and en-dash inside parentheses [closed]
Is the usage of slashes, en-dash, and parentheses in the following line OK?
Objective: Working as a translator (English/Spanish/Portuguese–Arabic)
*It's part of a resume.
Thank you for your ...
0
votes
1answer
101 views
Correct grammar / style for segments that share the same (lengthy) prepositional object
I'm having trouble with a sentence that uses two (or more) prepositional phrases, which share the same prepositional object. For example, I would like to turn these two statements:
A main theme in ...
2
votes
1answer
611 views
What dash should be used for attribution of authorship? [duplicate]
Say I want to mention an author and their work, i.e. The Beatles—Abbey Road or Herman Melville—Moby Dick, which dash should go betwixt the two?
This question has been marked as a possible duplicate ...
0
votes
3answers
74 views
Comma usage within dashes
Could someone please explain what rule governs the comma and dash usage. Why is the dash placed after the should. Couldn't the dash be placed after the 'have'?
He might – and according to plans, ...
2
votes
0answers
81 views
How do I use a dash at the end of speech? [duplicate]
How do I use a dash at the end of speech to signify an abrupt change of subject? I understand that when using an em dash, there is no space before or after the dash:
George sighed. “There is ...
1
vote
2answers
141 views
How to properly organize grammar with complex sentence with dashes? [closed]
Alright, Im writing an APLAC paper and don't know if my word choice and more importantly grammar in the following is correct:
I left my residence, embraced teary-eyed peers and entrusted my ...
1
vote
0answers
54 views
En dashes and shortened year ranges [duplicate]
I understand that typically an en dash ( – ) is used when presenting a range of numbers. For example, when representing a range of years such as "1990 – 2000."
My question pertains to instances in ...
3
votes
2answers
51 views
Dashes in “st-vertex-cut” or “st-vertex cut”?
People use "vertex-cut" and "vertex cut" where I am unsure whether it should be with dash or without dash. For me, it looks nicest to have "st-vertex-cut" and then "st-vertex-cut set" without dash, ...
2
votes
1answer
58 views
How to refer to the collection of horizontal line characters?
Hyphens, dashes, n-dashes, m-dashes, and minus signs all look the same (give or take a pixel). Is there a term for this set of characters?
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0answers
59 views
Israel-Turkey or Turkey-Israel ties?
I recall back in college the teacher once noting that there is a rule for that. I've checked google and found both are used. Is there a rule for that?
2
votes
1answer
826 views
When writing an informal letter, is it advisable to use the em rule at all?
I must point out before explaining my situation that I'm an English learner. However, for this question I need the help of an expert; that's why I'm asking here and not in ELL.
When writing an ...
1
vote
0answers
152 views
Punctuation in a Figure Caption (Abbreviation List)
I have question regarding punctuation in a caption of a figure.
Lets say, for example, I have a figure that depicts a certain schematic.
In the caption of the figure I want to list all the ...
3
votes
4answers
5k views
Em dash and quotes
While I toss up between the em dash and the en dash, I am consistent throughout one document. However, one thing I have noticed when using the em dash is that when I write something like:
Firstly, ...
