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31 votes
31 votes
The dash in the sentence below is

used to do which of the following?

"Of course, we will need to make
sure all the team captains are--
well, will you look at that!"

A. set off further detail or explanation
B. show an abrupt, unfinished end to the
sentence
C. indicate an abrupt change in the sentence
D. set off humor in an informal sentence

User Jimothy
by
2.8k points

2 Answers

22 votes
22 votes

Final Answer

The dash in the sentence is used to C. indicate an abrupt change in the sentence.

Step-by-step explanation

In the given sentence, the dash is employed to signal an abrupt change in the sentence structure or content. This punctuation choice serves to create a shift in tone or focus, guiding the reader to expect a change or interruption. In this context, the dash is used to introduce a sudden shift in the speaker's thoughts—from discussing the necessity of team captains to an unexpected observation. This abrupt change enhances the informality and conversational style of the sentence.

The dash, in this case, is not serving the purpose of setting off further detail or explanation (Option A) or showing an abrupt, unfinished end to the sentence (Option B). Instead, it is indicating a swift change in the narrative flow, maintaining a dynamic and engaging tone. The sentence following the dash introduces a new element ("well, will you look at that!"), showcasing the dash's role in creating a sense of immediacy and surprise within the text.

This use of punctuation aligns with the conventions of informal writing, allowing for a more conversational and spontaneous tone. The dash, as a versatile punctuation mark, contributes to the overall readability and expressiveness of the sentence, providing a clear signal to the reader that a shift in the speaker's focus is about to occur.

User Andgeo
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2.8k points
27 votes
27 votes

Answer:

A figure dash looks and functions much like a hyphen. You will most often see (and use) the figure dash when writing phone numbers or similar number sequences. For example: 404-555-1236. 667-555-9862. 899-555-2627. Needless to say, figure dashes are not all that common in standard English writing.

User MiguelCatalan
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