How is a hyphen different to a dash?

How is a hyphen different to a dash?

What’s the difference between a hyphen and a dash? Hyphens are shorter than dashes, and link two words so the word or phrase makes sense. Dashes separate information and are a type of parenthesis, like brackets.

What are hyphens examples?

Here are a few common compound words that are usually written with a hyphen:

  • truck-driver.
  • ice-cream.
  • year-end.
  • sign-in.
  • warm-up.
  • mother-in-law.
  • free-for-all.
  • follow-up.

When should a dash be used examples?

Use dashes to mark the beginning and end of a series, which might otherwise get confused, with the rest of the sentence: Example: The three female characters—the wife, the nun, and the jockey—are the incarnation of excellence. Dashes are also used to mark the interruption of a sentence in dialogue: Example: “Help!

Can a hyphen replace a dash?

When using a dash to separate times and dates, omit words like “from…to…” and “between…and…” (6) A Dash in Place of a Hyphen in a Compound Adjective with Equal Parts. A dash (generally, an “en dash”) can replace a hyphen in a compound adjective with two equal elements.

Can you use a dash in email address?

The short answer is yes, email addresses can include these characters, but with some exceptions. The two biggest factors to consider are hyphen placement and email service provider.

What is dash punctuation?

The dash (—) is a mark of punctuation used to set off a word or phrase after an independent clause or a parenthetical remark (words, phrases, or clauses that interrupt a sentence). “A dash is a mark of separation stronger than a ​comma, less formal than a colon, and more relaxed than ​parentheses.”

When can you use a dash in writing?

A dash is a horizontal line that shows a pause or break in meaning, or that represents missing words or letters. Note that dashes are rather informal and should be used carefully in writing. Dashes are often used informally instead of commas, colons and brackets. A dash may or may not have a space on either side of it.

How do you use a hyphen in a sentence?

Generally, you need the hyphen only if the two words are functioning together as an adjective before the noun they’re describing. If the noun comes first, leave the hyphen out. This wall is load bearing. It’s impossible to eat this cake because it is rock hard.

Are dashes allowed in email addresses?

What is the difference between a dash and a hyphen?

A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that’s used to join words or parts of words. It’s not interchangeable with other types of dashes. A dash is longer than a hyphen and is commonly used to indicate a range or a pause. The most common types of dashes are the en dash (–) and the em dash (—).

When to use en dashes in a sentence?

When to Use En Dashes. En dashes are also used to show ranges of numbers, such as times, page numbers, or scores ( I’ll schedule you from 4:30–5:00 ). But, outside of formal printed publications, this type of en dash is commonly replaced with a simple hyphen.

Should there be a space between hyphens and words?

There should never be a space between the hyphen and the words around it. To insert the hyphen in your texts, simply type the dedicated key on the keyboard—on PC, PC-laptop and Mac. When to use en dashes En dashes, so named because they are about the same width as an upper-case “N”, are often confused with hyphens.

What are the 4 types of dashes in writing?

Types of Dashes and Hyphens. The four main dash-like characters are a hyphen, an em dash, an en dash, and a minus sign. Here they are ordered from the longest to the shortest: When using normal-sized fonts, the only one that stands out is the em dash.

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