When to use "dashes" vs "commas"?
When to use "dashes" vs "commas"?
Hello! In a recent book club meeting, a heated discussion arose over whether a dash or a comma was appropriate in a particular sentence. I thought I'd ask for your expert opinion to settle the debate, when to use dashes vs commas.
Amanda_&
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Last update: 1 week ago
1 answers
Hello!
Here's a guide to understanding when to use each:
Commas
- Listing Items:
- Example: "We bought apples, oranges, and bananas."
- Separating Clauses:
- Example: "When the rain stopped, we went outside."
- Non-Essential Information (Parenthetical):
- Example: "My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting this weekend."
- Direct Address:
- Example: "Lisa, can you help me with this?"
- Introductory Elements:
- Example: "In the morning, we went for a walk."
- Before Conjunctions:
- Example: "We wanted to go, but it was too late."
Dashes
- Emphasis:
- Example: "The results were clear—she had won the race."
- Interruption or Sudden Change:
- Example: "I was going to tell you—oh, never mind."
- Adding Information with More Impact:
- Example: "She gave him her answer—a resounding no."
- Appositives with Commas: Example: "Three friends—Tom, Dick, and Harry—went to the store."
- Setting Off Parenthetical Information:
- Example: "Everything we needed—food, water, and blankets—was packed in the car."
Key Differences
- Commas are generally used for less intrusive additions or clarifications, while dashes can create a stronger break or draw more attention to the added information.
- Dashes can often be used in place of commas for emphasis, but they should not be overused as this can make the writing appear fragmented.
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Last update: 6 months ago
