How to use Dashes

 

*This section will explore how to use a dash.



In the English language, there are three punctuation marks that look alike: hyphen, En dash, and Em dash. However, they are all used differently.



While the hyphen and the en dash are not tested in the SAT and the ACT, it is still worth mentioning their basic usage.


Among the three, the Em Dash is the only one tested in the SAT and the ACT, and there are four usages (3 of which are important) to remember.





1. Dashes can be used like commas for a non-essential modifier.


As mentioned in the non-essential modifier section, a dash can be used like a comma to set off a non-essential modifier.



Brian, a boy from Canada, is very smart.

Brian—a boy from Canada—is very smart.



Remember that the punctuation mark involving non-essentials has to be parallel.


When you begin with a dash, end with a dash.


When you begin with a comma, end with a comma.



Brian—a boy from Canada, is very smart. (incorrect)






2. a dash can be used like a colon.



A colon is used to elaborate the first part of the sentence or provide a list.


As long as the first part is a complete sentence, both marks can be used.



The rule is simple—you need to use a sentence before a dash.


The rule is simple: you need to use a sentence before a colon.

I need two things—love and money.

I need two things: love and money.




Because examples above are all grammatically correct, the SAT and ACT will not give us both choices unless there is an error in one, or both, of the answer choices. 



While the first two usages are more dominantly used in the SAT and the ACT, there are two other uses we should be aware of (the fourth has only been tested once).





3. to emphasize (dramatic pause)



I ran to the house—but it was too late.


The same sentence could be written with a comma.


I ran to the house, but it was too late.



Regarding this usage, we have to understand two more things:



1) in the SAT, a dramatic pause dash has always been used with FANBOYS.


,FANBOYS = —FANBOYS


2) if the SAT and the ACT gives us both options (,FANBOYS and —FANBOYS), there will always be some kind of grammatical or contextual mistake within one of the answer choices.





4. Sentence introduction starting with a list.


It is possible to begin with a list and then follow it by a sentence. This usage is rare, but it was tested in the PSAT once, another test made by The College Board.



A, B, (and) C—sentence


Math, history, and science—these are the courses I do not like.




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