Question

In which example is the dash used correctly?

Select one:
O a. "This is very important--are you listening to me?"
O b.
"This is very important;-- are you listening to me?"
"This is very important, are you listening to me?"
O c.

Answer 1

The correct usage of the dash in the provided examples is option a, where it sets off a second clause for emphasis: "This is very important--are you listening to me?" Using a semicolon with a dash or a comma to separate two independent clauses without a conjunction is incorrect.

Step-by-step explanation:

In English grammar, the dash is used to set off or emphasize the content that follows it, or to add an appositive that already includes commas without creating confusion. The correct usage of the dash from the provided examples is option a, where the dash sets off the second clause for emphasis without additional punctuation, such as a semicolon or a comma. Thus, the sentence should read: "This is very important--are you listening to me?"

It's incorrect to combine a semicolon with a dash as seen in option b. Also, a comma alone might be too weak to separate two independent clauses without coordinating conjunction as seen in option c. In contrast, the dash in option a provides a strong separation and brings attention to the urgency of the question being asked, making it the correct choice.

Referencing the educational material, dashes can be used to enhance readability by providing a pause similar to parentheses but with more emphasis. They can also be used to indicate a sudden change in tone or to add a parenthetical statement within a sentence.