Written English offers an array of punctuation. Experienced writers know how to navigate these choices much like a painter selects colors from a palette.
One such “color” is the dash, represented in typeset with three hyphens. Many word processing programs will automatically join these lines together into a single line — the dash.
Did you see how I used the dash just now? Writers usually use the dash where another punctuation mark, usually a comma, is employed. The replacement of another suitable punctuation mark creates a special emphasis to the phrase set apart by dashes. When not replacing another punctuation mark, dashes usually indicate an abrupt side note in the main idea of the sentence.
Consider the example in the graphic above, which demonstrates an appropriate and effective use of the dash. Observe the effect imparted by the dash. In this example, the dashes could replace commas.
One such “color” is the dash, represented in typeset with three hyphens. Many word processing programs will automatically join these lines together into a single line — the dash.
Did you see how I used the dash just now? Writers usually use the dash where another punctuation mark, usually a comma, is employed. The replacement of another suitable punctuation mark creates a special emphasis to the phrase set apart by dashes. When not replacing another punctuation mark, dashes usually indicate an abrupt side note in the main idea of the sentence.
Consider the example in the graphic above, which demonstrates an appropriate and effective use of the dash. Observe the effect imparted by the dash. In this example, the dashes could replace commas.
Where corrosion and fatigue both operate in an environment, and for these applications they often do, an advancement in each failure mode contributes to an advancement in the other.
Or they could replace parentheses.
Where corrosion and fatigue both operate in an environment (and for these applications they often do) an advancement in each failure mode contributes to an advancement in the other.
Each of these example sentences is grammatically correct. But the dash imparts a greater sense of emphasis and interruption than either commas or parentheses.
Note the use of spaces before and after the dash. Writers can use or not use these spaces according to their preference. Thus, it would be just as correct to write
Note the use of spaces before and after the dash. Writers can use or not use these spaces according to their preference. Thus, it would be just as correct to write
Where corrosion and fatigue both operate in an environment—and for these applications they often do—an advancement in each failure mode contributes to an advancement in the other.
However, I recommend using the spaces. Writers use the dash primarily to generate emphasis of an idea connected with or related to the main idea in a sentence. The spaces before and after each dash reinforce that sense of emphasis while communicating that the idea offset with the dash is connected but separate.
Of course, overuse of the dash will blunt its edge for providing emphasis. Thus, experienced writers will use the dash sparingly. But do dash to use the dash when appropriate. It can provide some visual spice for your readers while emphasizing important side notes.
Of course, overuse of the dash will blunt its edge for providing emphasis. Thus, experienced writers will use the dash sparingly. But do dash to use the dash when appropriate. It can provide some visual spice for your readers while emphasizing important side notes.
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