Mastering Dashes: Em-dashes and En-dashes
A Grade 10 ELA worksheet focusing on the correct usage of em-dashes and en-dashes in sentences, including their functions and common errors.
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Mastering Dashes: Em-dashes and En-dashes
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Read each question carefully and follow the instructions. This worksheet will test your knowledge of em-dashes and en-dashes.
Dashes are versatile punctuation marks that can add clarity, emphasis, or a conversational tone to your writing. There are two main types: the em-dash (—) and the en-dash (–).
Em-dashes are longer and are used to indicate a sudden break in thought, to set off an appositive phrase for emphasis, or to introduce a list or explanation. They are often used in place of commas, semicolons, or parentheses for a stronger effect.
En-dashes are shorter and primarily used to indicate a range (e.g., dates, pages, numbers) or to connect two terms that are related (e.g., a hyphenated compound adjective where one part is already hyphenated, or a compound adjective where both parts are open compounds).
1. Which type of dash is used to indicate a range, such as 'pages 34–45'?
Em-dash
En-dash
Hyphen
Colon
Insert either an em-dash (—) or an en-dash (–) in the blanks to complete each sentence correctly.
2. The new policy affects everyone in the company from the CEO to the interns.
3. Her lecture on the American French alliance was fascinating.
4. I packed everything for the trip clothes, toiletries, and snacks.
5. The train service runs from 8:00 AM 6:00 PM.
Indicate whether each statement is True or False regarding dash usage.
6. An em-dash can be used to set off an abrupt change in thought.
True
False
7. Write a sentence using an em-dash to introduce an explanation or a list.