How To Use Dashes Semicolons And Colons
A dash can add extra information and is more flexible in this way.
How to use dashes semicolons and colons. Dashes can be used to mark off non essential clauses or introduce lists and explanations. The use of the colon or semi colon in these cases helps the reader focus on the relationship between the two clauses. Model 1 levin wanted friendship and got friendliness. Semicolons colons and dashes. Colons come after a complete sentence and set up a list or explanation.
Being able to use them correctly will give your writing more impact making what you say clearer for the reader. The dash is used for the most part to give your sentence that little dramatic pause it needs to provide emphasis. Dashes can replace colons. Use a dash in place of a colon. After reading the handout you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing.
Find out more with this bitesize primary ks2 english guide. Notice that in comparison to the colon and the semicolon the dash is pretty flexible with its usage. Semicolons connect two independent clauses. This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation. Use each sentence below as the model for a new sentence.
A dash can also connect two sentences when you want to sound less formal. How to properly use a semicolon we use semicolons to separate two independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction for and nor but or yet so etc. It is also less formal than a colon. Leave out punctuation unless you identify a situation that requires it. Colons semi colons and dashes are important features in punctuation.
Following this quick guide to using colons semicolons and dashes correctly will help you improve your grammatical precision and writing. What this handout is about. Your new sentence should follow the accompanying guidelines and use the same punctuation contained in the model. A semi colon can replace a full stop between two or more sentences that share a theme. 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.