Would you rather . . . ?

Have a third arm.
Have hair down to your toes.
Have no nose.

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Problems with Dashes

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.

  • Ms. Persinger– the most important official in the–okayed the plan.

  • OR   Ms. Persinger— the most important official in the cityokayed the plan. (better)

  • NOT   Ms. Persinger- the most important official in the city-okayed the plan.

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