Dashes!Writing Class

The Dash

•A dash is used to do two jobs:

•1. Signal an interruption

•2. Add in additional information (think appositives)

The Dash – Signaling an interruption

• This usually happens when someone is talking.

• When you write dialogue and your character gets cut off, you can add a dash inside quotation marks to signify that they have been interrupted.

• THERE IS NO PERIOD AFTER THE DASH.

• For example: “But I–” he began to wail.

• “Let me expl—” she started.

The Dash- Adding additional information

• This can be in the middle or at the end of the sentence.

• This is very similar to appositives. You can use either a set of commas or a set of dashes to include extra information.

• The extra information is not needed to make the sentence complete.

• For example:

• Lord of the Rings– my favorite movie– is amazing!

• I know who is at the door—Bob!

• Tomorrow—my birthday– will be a great day.

• Let’s make a promise—never lie to each other!