Quotation dash is a punctuation mark used in written English to indicate a sudden break or interruption in speech. It is a commonly used punctuation mark in informal writing, especially in relaxed English language, but often causes confusion for non-native speakers. In this article, we will discuss the use of quotation dash and provide tips on how to use it correctly in your writing.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Quotation dash is a punctuation mark used in written English to indicate a sudden break or interruption in speech. It is a commonly used punctuation mark in informal writing, especially in relaxed English language, but often causes confusion for non-native speakers. In this article, we will discuss the use of quotation dash and provide tips on how to use it correctly in your writing.
What is a Quotation Dash?
A quotation dash is a punctuation mark that consists of two hyphens (- -) used to indicate a sudden break or interruption in speech. It is commonly used in informal writing, such as in dialogues, to indicate a change in speaker or a sudden change in the direction of the conversation. It is also used to indicate an abrupt change in thought or to add emphasis to a particular word or phrase.
Example:
"I'm not sure if I should - - Oh, never mind."
In this example, the quotation dash indicates an abrupt change in thought or a sudden interruption in speech, suggesting that the speaker decided to stop talking or changed their mind.
How to Use Quotation Dash Correctly
Using quotation dash correctly can be tricky, especially for non-native speakers. Here are some tips on how to use it correctly:
1. Use it sparingly
Quotation dash is a powerful punctuation mark, but it should be used sparingly. Overusing it can make your writing look unprofessional and distract the reader from your message.
2. Use it in informal writing
Quotation dash is commonly used in informal writing, such as in dialogues or personal emails. It is not usually used in formal writing, such as in academic papers or business reports.
3. Use it to indicate a sudden break or interruption in speech
The main purpose of quotation dash is to indicate a sudden break or interruption in speech. Use it when you want to show that a speaker has been interrupted or has suddenly changed their mind or direction of the conversation.
4. Use it to add emphasis
You can also use quotation dash to add emphasis to a particular word or phrase. This is often done in informal writing to show sarcasm or to highlight a particular point.
Question and Answer
Q: Is it acceptable to use quotation dash in formal writing?
A: No, quotation dash is not usually used in formal writing, such as in academic papers or business reports. It is more commonly used in informal writing, such as in dialogues or personal emails.
Q: Can quotation dash be used to indicate a pause in speech?
A: No, quotation dash is not used to indicate a pause in speech. A comma or ellipsis should be used instead to indicate a pause or hesitation in speech.
Conclusion
Quotation dash is a punctuation mark that is commonly used in informal writing, especially in relaxed English language. It is a powerful punctuation mark that can indicate a sudden break or interruption in speech, but it should be used sparingly and correctly. By following the tips provided in this article, you can use quotation dash effectively in your writing and avoid confusion for your readers.
