Question

Which sentence uses the correct punctuation?

A. Take the third - I repeat, the third - tree - lined road to the right.
B. Take the third (I repeat, the third) tree-lined road on the right.
C. Take the third - I repeat, the third - tree lined road on the right.
D. Take the third (I repeat, the third) tree - lined road on the right.

Answer 1

D. Take the third (I repeat, the third) tree-lined road on the right.

Answer 2

A. Take the third - I repeat, the third - tree-lined road on the right.

Step-by-step explanation:

First of all, it is important that we know the use of a 'dash' in a sentence. Dashes are either used to signify a break in the sentence or to redefine what was just written (this means that it places emphasis on the previous word or group of words). The speaker wants to emphasize exactly which tree-lined road to take. Once a dash is opened, it should also be closed at the end of the emphasis or break in the sentence with another dash. This is quite like an apostrophe which has to be closed as well when it is opened.

Next, it is important to also put a dash between the words 'tree' and 'lined' to emphasize or describe exactly what type of road should be taken. This means that the road is lined with trees.