Phrases, Clauses, and Sentences
Dashes, Parentheses, and Quotation Marks
If you like dashes, you'll be tempted to use them too often. Remember that they are more noticeable than commas. Then remember a basic rule: Don't let a punctuation mark become a distraction.
When you type, don't confuse a dash with a hyphen. A dash is typed with two hyphens, no space between them, or typed as a dash with a word processor.
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Ms. Persinger– the most important official in the–okayed the plan.
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OR Ms. Persinger— the most important official in the city— okayed the plan. (better)
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NOT Ms. Persinger- the most important official in the city-okayed the plan.
