By knowing how to use the script correctly, punctuation can be easier. The problem is that it is sometimes difficult to know exactly when to use an em dash (-) or an underscore (-). Generally speaking, an em dash is used to create emphasis or to set an informal tone. The short dash is common when indicating a range of numbers or for creating compound adjectives. Once you know this, mastering the script won't be that difficult. Just remember a few basic rules and your writing will be elegant in time.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use the em dash (m-size dash)
Step 1. Use an em dash to join the independent clauses
More commonly, a hyphen connects one independent clause to another, with a related thought plus a conjunction like or, but, still, like, for, and after the second hyphen. The hyphen works slightly like parentheses or commas, but is used when stronger punctuation is needed.
An em dash can connect a separate clause to a related thought in sentences like "Abby gave me a hideous haircut - and I still wanted a tip!" or "Evan wanted me to apologize-but he didn't even say I'm sorry!"
Christopher Taylor, Assistant Professor of English, advises:
"An underscore (-) can be used for informal punctuation or for emphasis. An underscore (-) is commonly used to indicate a range of values."
Step 2. Mark unimportant information with a long dash
Like the comma, you can use a long dash to clarify information, however, it is not important for understanding a sentence. This is most commonly done in informal writing, but can also be done sparingly in formal writing by making a statement with greater emphasis than a comma would offer.
- For example, you could say, "I'd better pass the test - it's ninety percent of my class grade - or I'll have to go to summer school."
- This use of the em dash is sometimes called the parenthetical dash, since the dash can take the place of parentheses.
Step 3. Use an em dash to dim the lists that are placed in a sentence
An em dash can be used to point to a list placed in the middle of a sentence where commas have already been used. This helps avoid confusion about what is part of the list and where the list begins and ends.
An example would be, "All my homework - physics, academic decathlon, sociology, and calculus - washed away when my house was flooded."
Step 4. Emphasize a sentence with a long dash
Hyphens can also be used to emphasize a point in the sentence. These dots usually come after the dash. This is especially common in informal writing and story writing.
An example of this might include, "Of course, I will sign a prenuptial agreement - as long as it is in my favor."
Method 2 of 3: Use an underscore (hyphen the size of an n)
Step 1. Indicate a range of numbers with an underscore
An underscore is most often used to indicate a range of numbers, such as pages 182–197 in a book or in an event that will happen from 1 pm – 5 pm. When used in numbers, the short dash is usually read as "to" or "to." For example, if you read the statement “pages 182–187” aloud, it will sound like “pages 182 to 197”.
- Short dashes generally indicate an inclusive number sequence. The instructions for reading pages 15–55, for example, indicate that all of those pages should be read, not just page 15 and not just page 55.
- Short dashes are also used to represent the results of contests and sporting events. For example, the Timberwolves beat the Bobcats 15–8 in last night's game.
Step 2. Connect concepts with a short script
A short dash can also be used to connect 2 words that are directly related to each other. Typically, these relationships are confrontational, connected, or directed. The script goes between 2 related concepts.
- "The liberal-conservative debate" is an example of conflict.
- "A Boston – New York train ticket" is an example of a connection.
- "The road runs east-west" is an example of direction.
Step 3. Use a two-word phrase as a modifier
If you're looking to use a two-word phrase as a descriptor or modifier, you can use a short dash. A common example of this is the term “award – winning”. In the phrase, “the award – winning scientist”, the short dash is used to modify the two words to become a single descriptor.
This can also work for longer sentences that are used as compound adjectives. “His spur – of – the – moment decision led him on a great adventure” is an example
Method 3 of 3: Keep your hyphens grammatically correct
Step 1. Know the types of scripts
A dash is considerably longer than a dash. There are different hyphens, but the most commonly used are the short dash or n (-) and the long dash or m (-). They are called this way because they are the same width as the letter N and the letter M.
- An underscore (-) is most commonly used to indicate a range of numbers.
- A long dash (-) is usually used to indicate a thought interruption or to establish an appendix from the rest of the sentence.
- Hyphens are used to connect two words in a single concept, such as 2 – liter bottle or old – time traditions. Hyphens are half the length of a hyphen. Although they look similar, they are not scripted at all.
Step 2. Identify independent clauses to use long dashes
Before you start using the long dash in a sentence, you need to be able to identify the independent clauses. Knowing the clauses in a script will help you understand where the script would best fit. An independent clause is one that can be understood on its own since it contains both a subject and a verb, for example:
- "I love pizza".
- "My mom cooks dinner for me."
- "When you come" would be an example of a dependent clause. Although it has both a subject and a verb, it does not represent a complete thought.
Step 3. Use long dashes sparingly
In some circumstances, such as when entering dates or ranges of numbers, they will always use short dashes. Others, such as offsetting information or creating a pause, do not always need a long dash. Use hyphens for added emphasis or to encourage an informal tone in your writing. Don't trust them for situations where other punctuation marks will do.