How To Use Dashes Semicolons And Colons
Being able to use them correctly will give your writing more impact making what you say clearer for the reader.
How to use dashes semicolons and colons. This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation. The dash is used for the most part to give your sentence that little dramatic pause it needs to provide emphasis. Use an em dash instead of a colon when you want to emphasize the conclusion of your sentence without giving it all of the connotations that a colon brings. Use a dash in place of a colon. Semicolons colons and dashes.
Semicolons connect two independent clauses. Practice creating sentences with semicolons colons and dashes. Dashes can replace colons. The use of the colon or semi colon in these cases helps the reader focus on the relationship between the two clauses. A dash can also connect two sentences when you want to sound less formal.
Following this quick guide to using colons semicolons and dashes correctly will help you improve your grammatical precision and writing. Find out more with this bitesize primary ks2 english guide. It is also less formal than a colon. A semi colon can replace a full stop between two or more sentences that share a theme. Just be sure to become comfortable with the dash.
After reading the handout you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing. Notice that in comparison to the colon and the semicolon the dash is pretty flexible with its usage. Colons semi colons and dashes are important features in punctuation. Dashes can be used to mark off non essential clauses or introduce lists and explanations. Your new sentence should follow the accompanying guidelines and use the same punctuation contained in the model.
A dash can add extra information and is more flexible in this way. Leave out punctuation unless you identify a situation that requires it. Don t use commas in between two independent clauses. Colons come after a complete sentence and set up a list or explanation. It should give you the least amount trouble on the exam.