Hyphens and Dashes

About the course

Learn about hyphens and dashes and how and when they can be used. This course is ideal for intermediate learners.

Introduction

Hyphens are used for the following:
·       To link compound words and numbers. For example: Well-being (the hyphen is after the word ‘well’) and fifty-one (the hyphen is after the word ‘fifty’).
·       To clarify words that use prefixes. For example: Re-covering (the hyphen is after the ‘re’) and self-taught (the hyphen is after the word ‘self’).
·       To write fractions. For example: Two-fifths (the hyphen is after the word ‘two) and one-half (the hyphen is after the word ‘one’)

Dashes are used in the following ways:
·       To add comments as part of informal writing. For example: “I might get an ‘A’ grade – you never know.” (The dash is after the word ‘grade’). Note that brackets should be used instead of dashes in formal writing.
·       Indicate a range. For example:
o   It will take 3-6 days to complete. (The dash is between the 3 and 6).

o To gain a merit you need a mark of 60-70%. (The dash is between the 60 and 70).

You will learn

Using hyphens to link compound words and numbers
Using hyphens to clarify words that use prefixes
Using hyphens to write fractions
Using dashes to add comments as part of informal writing
Using dashes to indicate range

Enrolment options