The Dash
The Dash :
The Dash has four main uses.
(a) To mark a break or abrupt turn in a sentence
Here lies the great—false marble, where?
Nothing but sordid dust lies here.
(b) To mark words in apposition or in explanation
Nothing comes amiss to her nimble fingers—spoons and forks as well as purses.
(c) To resume a scattered Subject
Health, friends, position, happiness—all are gone.
(d) To indicate hesitating or faltering speech
I—er—believe—er—that we shall—er—er
(e) To insert a parenthetical phrase or sentence in the middle of a main sentence. Here two dashes are required.
At the age of ten—such is the power of genius—they could write verses.
The Dash :
The Sentences Index
