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Dash and hyphen - English language punctuation - class - VIII

Description: dash and hyphen
Number of Questions: 42
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Tags: punctuation english
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Fill in the blank with the correct option.
To link words so that a compound word is formed we use a _____.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Hyphen

  2. Comma

  3. Question mark

  4. Semi colon

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, a hyphen is used to join words or parts of words in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer will be Option A. The other remaining options are incorrect.
Option B - A comma is used to indicate a pause in a sentence.
Option C - A question mark is used to indicate an interrogative clause in a sentence.
Option D - A semi colon is used to separate major sentence elements.



Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
I have been a vegetarian for the past three years; except that I occasionally eat fish.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. I have been a vegetarian for the past three years: except that I occasionally eat fish.

  2. I have been a vegetarian for the past three years ... except that I occasionally eat fish.

  3. I have been a vegetarian for the past three years - except that I occasionally eat fish.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence, that explains his/her condition. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option C.
Option B is also incorrect, as an ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.

If only I had chosen a different city to live in ... but why regret the past?

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. If only I had chosen a different city to live in - but why regret the past?

  2. If only I had chosen a different city to live in: but why regret the past?

  3. If only I had chosen a different city to live in (but why regret the past)?

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
The given sentence consists of two independent clauses that are related. However, the use of an ellipsis is incorrect, an ellipsis is used to indicate trailing off thought.
An em dash is used to connect two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. Thus, the correct answer is Option A. 
A colon is used to separate two independent clauses when the second illustrates or explains the first whereas, a parentheses is used to add information in a sentence.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
Yes, I'd like to have a painting done; as long as I can choose which artist does it.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Yes, I'd like to have a painting done - as long as I can choose which artist does it.

  2. Yes, I'd like to have a painting done: as long as I can choose which artist does it.

  3. Yes, I'd like to have a painting done ... as long as I can choose which artist does it.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence, that explains his/her condition. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.
Option D is also incorrect, as an ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.

Give me the keys to the house ... can you do that ... I've left some things behind.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Give me the keys to the house; can you do that; I've left some things behind.

  2. Give me the keys to the house - can you do that? I've left some things behind.

  3. Give me the keys to the house - can you do that? - I've left some things behind.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
Parentheses is used to add additional information to a sentence. However, a pair of em dashes can replace a pair of parentheses, if the content is less formal.
In the given sentence, a pair of em dashes should be used for the parenthetical element, in place of ellipsis. A pair o ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.
Thus, the correct answer is Option C. The remaining options are incorrect.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
I like to have a bowl of cornflakes in the morning: except that these days there are only eggs in the house.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. I like to have a bowl of cornflakes in the morning - except that these days there are only eggs in the house.

  3. I like to have a bowl of cornflakes in the morning; except that these days there are only eggs in the house.

  4. I like to have a bowl of cornflakes in the morning ... except that these days there are only eggs in the house.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence, that explains his/her condition. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.
Option D is also incorrect, as an ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.

I wish the trains ran on time - but why complain about things that can't change?

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. I wish the trains ran on time; but why complain about things that can't change?

  3. I wish the trains ran on time ... but why complain about things that can't change!

  4. I wish the trains ran on time: but why complain about things that can't change?

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence, that explains his/her views. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option A, no change.
Option B is also incorrect, as an ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.

A book, some food and water, and a cell phone are things, the only things, you will need if you were stranded on an island.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. A book, some food and water, and a cell phone are things, the only things - you will need if you were stranded on an island.

  2. A book, some food and water, and a cell phone are things - the only things you will need if you were stranded on an island.

  3. A book, some food and water, and a cell phone are things - the only things - you will need if you were stranded on an island.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option C, will be correct.
Option A and B are incorrect - As a rule, a pair of em dashes should be used to set off parenthetical elements.
Option D is incorrect, as em dashes serve as harder versions of commas, they can be used to replace commas in the given sentence.

Friend, father, counselor; he was all these things to me.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Friend, father, counselor ... he was all these things to me.

  3. Friend, father, counselor (he was all these things to me).

  4. Friend, father, counselor - he was all these things to me.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash is often used to resume a scattered subject in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer in the given sentence must be Option D.
Option A is incorrect. A semi colon is used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence.
Option B is incorrect. A ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.
Option C is incorrect. A pair of parentheses is used to add additional information in a sentence.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
Reading, especially a good book - can be a very absorbing activity.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Reading, especially a good book; can be a very absorbing activity.

  2. Reading - especially a good book - can be a very absorbing activity.

  3. Reading - especially a good book, can be a very absorbing activity.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option B, will be correct.
Option C and D are incorrect - As a rule, a pair of em dashes should be used to set off parenthetical elements.
Option A is incorrect, as em dashes serve as harder versions of commas and semi colons, they can be used to replace commas in the given sentence.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

He was planning to paint the house, or was he, when the roof caved in.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. He was planning to paint the house; or was he? when the roof caved in.

  3. He was planning to paint the house - or was he? - when the roof caved in.

  4. He was planning to paint the house, or was he - when the roof caved in.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option C, will be correct.
Option A and B are incorrect, as em dashes serve as harder versions of commas an semi colons, they can be used to replace commas in the given sentence.
Option D is incorrect - As a rule, a pair of em dashes should be used to set off parenthetical elements.

Surgeons, doctors and nurses; all went on strike to protest low wages.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Surgeons, doctors and nurses: all went on strike to protest low wages.

  3. Surgeons, doctors and nurses (all went on strike to protest low wages).

  4. Surgeons, doctors and nurses - all went on strike to protest low wages.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash is often used to resume a scattered subject in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer in the given sentence must be Option D.
Option A is incorrect. A semi colon is used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence.
Option B is incorrect. A colon is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.
Option C is incorrect. A pair of parentheses is used to add additional information in a sentence.

Choose the option that best corrects the given sentence:
The sound effects to the shower scene in Hitchcock's film, Psycho, which included spine-tingling violin music and the sound of a gurgling shower; left viewers with a harrowing sensation.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. The sound effects to the shower scene in Hitchcock's film, Psycho; which included spine-tingling violin music and the sound of a gurgling shower; left viewers with a harrowing sensation.

  3. The sound effects to the shower scene in Hitchcock's film, Psycho, which included spine-tingling violin music and the sound of a gurgling shower: left viewers with a harrowing sensation.

  4. The sound effects to the shower scene in Hitchcock's film, Psycho - which included spine-tingling violin music and the sound of a gurgling shower - left viewers with a harrowing sensation.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option D, will be correct.
The remaining options are incorrect, as em dashes serve as harder versions of commas, semi colons and  can be used to replace colon in a sentence.

The review team, besides conducting staff evaluations, conducted on site visits to check safety measures.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. The review team - besides conducting staff evaluations - conducted on site visits to check safety measures.

  2. The review team, besides conducting staff evaluations - conducted on-site visits to check safety measures.

  3. The review team, besides conducting staff evaluations, conducted on-site visits to check safety measures.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, a hyphen is used to connect two words to make it clear to readers that the words work together as a unit of meaning. In the given sentence, 'on-site' is one such word.
A comma must be used to set off non essential information in a sentence.
Thus, the correct answer is Option C. The other remaining options are incorrect, according to the rules.

There has been an increase; much to the outrage of the people - in food prices this year.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. There has been an increase, much to the outrage of the people - in food prices this year.

  2. There has been an increase, much to the outrage of the people; in food prices this year.

  3. There has been an increase - much to the outrage of the people - in food prices this year.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option C, will be correct.
Option A and D are incorrect - As a rule, a pair of em dashes should be used to set off parenthetical elements.
Option B is incorrect, as em dashes serve as harder versions of commas an semi colons, they can be used to replace commas in the given sentence.

Tim, Jane, Theodore and Heather - all decided to play tennis last evening.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Tim, Jane, Theodore and Heather; all decided to play tennis last evening.

  2. Tim, Jane, Theodore and Heather: all decided to play tennis last evening.

  3. Tim, Jane, Theodore and Heather (all decided to play tennis last evening).

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash is often used to resume a scattered subject in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer in the given sentence must be Option D, no change.
Option A is incorrect. A semi colon is used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence.
Option B is incorrect. A colon is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.
Option C is incorrect. A pair of parentheses is used to add additional information in a sentence.

The organization's biggest concern besides care for their nutrition and shelter was care for their emotional well being.

Choose the option that best completes the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. The organizations' biggest concern besides care for their nutrition and shelter, was care for their emotional well being.

  2. The organization's biggest concern, besides care for their nutrition and shelter, was care for their emotional well-being.

  3. The organization's biggest concern - besides care for their nutrition and shelter - was care for their emotional well being.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B,C

(Line 1) He was not only the editor in chief, but also one of the first jour
(Line 2) nalists who wrote for the newspaper.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. No Change

  2. He was not only the editor-in-chief, but also one of the first jour

    nalists who wrote for the newspaper.

  3. He was not only the editor-in-chief, but also one of the first jour-

    nalists who wrote for the newspaper.

  4. He was not only the editor in chief, but also one of the first jour-

    nalists who wrote for the newspaper.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
When flowing text, it is sometimes preferable to break a word in half so that it continues on another line rather than moving the entire word to the next line. 
The word may be divided at the nearest break point between syllables, and a hyphen inserted to indicate that the letters form a word fragment, rather than a full word.
Compound adjectives are connected using en dash.
According to the following rules, the correct form of writing the sentence is, as given in Option C.

(Line 1) The South American continent is home to the world's highest uninterrupt
(Line 2) ed waterfall, Angel Falls.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. No Change

  2. The South-American continent is home to the world's highest uninterrupt-
    ed water-fall, Angel Falls.

  3. The South-American continent is home to the world's highest uninterrupt
    ed waterfall, Angel Falls.

  4. The South American continent is home to the world's highest uninterrupt-
    ed waterfall, Angel Falls.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
When flowing text, it is sometimes preferable to break a word in half so that it continues on another line rather than moving the entire word to the next line. 
The word may be divided at the nearest break point between syllables, and a hyphen inserted to indicate that the letters form a word fragment, rather than a full word.
Words, like waterfall are closed compound words, so they do not require a hyphen.
Thus, the correct answer is Option D. The other remaining options are incorrect.
Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
Hannah changed her diet and became a non-vegetarian.
dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Hannah changed her diet and become a non-vegetarian.

  2. Hannah changed her diet and became a non-vegetarian.

  3. Hannah change her diet and became a non vegetarian.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
According to general rule, certain compound words require hyphens between every word. These are known as hyphenated compound words.
In the given sentence, 'non-vegetarian' is an example o such a word.
Thus, the correct form of writing the sentence is Option D. The remaining options are incorrect.

Though well intentioned, the plan was doomed to failure from the beginning.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Though well intentioned the plan was doomed to failure from the beginning.

  3. Though well-intentioned the plan was doomed to failure from the beginning.

  4. Though well-intentioned, the plan was doomed to failure from the beginning.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:
According to general rule, a hyphen is used to connect two words to make it clear to readers that the words work together as a unit of meaning. In the given sentence, 'on-site' is one such word.
A comma is used if the sentence begins with a dependent clause, like in the given sentence.
Thus, the correct answer is Option D. The other remaining options are incorrect.

(Line1) Research shows that same sex siblings are more likely to form a bond than sib
(Line2) lings of different sexes.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Research shows that same-sex siblings are more likely to form a bond than sib-
    lings of different sexes.

  3. Research shows that same-sex siblings are more likely to form a bond than sib
    lings of different sexes.

  4. Research shows that same sex siblings are more likely to form a bond than sib-
    lings of different sexes.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The correct option is B because it has the hyphen in the two required places: between the pairs 'same sex' and 'sib lings'. While the first pair requires the hyphen to connect two words that act as a single unit to modify a noun (siblings), the other hyphen for 'sib lings' is used to show that the word continues onto the next line. 

These shoes are factory made but I like them because they are sturdy, water
proof and have a good fit.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. These shoes are factory made but I like them because they are sturdy, water-
    proof and have a good fit.

  2. These shoes are factory-made but I like them because they are sturdy, water-
    proof and have a good fit.

  3. These shoes are factory-made but I like them because they are sturdy, water
    proof and have a good fit.

  4. No Change

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
When flowing text, it is sometimes preferable to break a word in half so that it continues on another line rather than moving the entire word to the next line. 
The word may be divided at the nearest break point between syllables, and a hyphen inserted to indicate that the letters form a word fragment, rather than a full word.
Compound adjectives are connected using en dash.
According to the following rules, the correct form of writing the sentence is, as given in Option B.

(Line 1) Besides being the most successful architect in the city, that man is ad
(Line 2) mired and well respected for his work on eco friendly houses.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Besides being the most successful architect in the city, that man is ad-
    mired and well-respected for his work on eco-friendly houses.

  3. Besides being the most successful architect in the city, that man is ad-
    mired and well respected for his work on eco-friendly houses.

  4. Besides being the most successful architect in the city, that man is ad
    mired and well-respected for his work on eco-friendly houses.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
When flowing text, it is sometimes preferable to break a word in half so that it continues on another line rather than moving the entire word to the next line. 
The word may be divided at the nearest break point between syllables, and a hyphen inserted to indicate that the letters form a word fragment, rather than a full word.
A hyphen is also used to connect two words to make it clear to readers that the words work together as a unit of meaning.
Thus, according to the rules, the correct answer is Option C.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word:
Ladies, gentlemen, children; give me your attention.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. children -

  2. children,

  3. children:

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash is often used to resume a scattered subject in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer in the given sentence must be Option A.
Option B is incorrect. A comma is used to indicate a pause in a sentence.
Option C is incorrect. A colon is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.
Option D is incorrect. A semi colon is used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined words.

The old man - the one with the walking stick - crossed the road slowly.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. man - the one with the walking stick;

  3. man - the one with the walking stick:

  4. man, the one with the walking stick;

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option A, will be correct.
Option B and C are incorrect - As a rule, a pair of em dashes should be used to set off parenthetical elements.
Option D is incorrect, as em dashes serve as harder versions of commas, they can be used to replace commas and semi colons in a sentence.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part of the sentence:
She brought her umbrella: the red and black one: to the party with her.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. umbrella, the red and black one:

  2. umbrella - the red and black one -

  3. umbrella; the red and black one;

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option C, will be correct.
The remaining options are incorrect.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined word:
I lived fearfully then; but why regret the past?

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. then -

  2. then:

  3. then,

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option A.
.

Choose the option that best corrects the underlined part of the sentence:
Villas, bungalows, skyscrapers, apartment buildings - all houses were subject to the same rules.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. buildings;

  3. buildings,

  4. buildings ...

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash is often used to resume a scattered subject in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer in the given sentence must be Option A, no change.
Option B is incorrect. A semi colon is used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence.
Option C is incorrect. A comma is used to indicate a pause in a sentence.
Option D is incorrect. An ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
While I was out playing badminton: trying to forget my poor exam scores, I turned my ankle and injured it.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. While I was out playing badminton - trying to forget my poor exam scores - I turned my ankle and injured it.

  3. While I was out playing badminton, trying to forget my poor exam scores; I turned my ankle and injured it.

  4. While I was out playing badminton, trying to forget my poor exam scores - I turned my ankle and injured it.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, em dashes are used to set off parenthetical information, as using em dashes, on both sides, puts the focus on the information between the em dashes. 
Thus, in the given sentence, the use of em dash, Option B, will be correct.
The remaining options are incorrect. A semi colon and comma is used to connect two independent clauses. A colon is used between clauses when the second clause illustrates or explains the first.


Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
Granny Smith, Bramley and Pink Lady; are all popular apple cultivars sold in Great Britain.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Granny Smith, Bramley and Pink Lady, are all popular apple cultivars sold in Great Britain.

  2. Granny Smith, Bramley and Pink Lady: are all popular apple cultivars sold in Great Britain.

  3. Granny Smith, Bramley and Pink Lady - are all popular apple cultivars sold in Great Britain.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash is often used to resume a scattered subject in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer in the given sentence must be Option C.
Option A and D are incorrect. A comma and a semi colon are used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence.
Option B is incorrect. A colon is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.

Choose the option that best corrects the given sentence:
Friends, Romans, countrymen: lend me your ears.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Friends, Romans, countrymen; lend me your ears.

  3. Friends, Romans, countrymen - lend me your ears.

  4. Friends, Romans, countrymen (lend me your ears).

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash is often used to resume a scattered subject in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer in the given sentence must be Option C.
Option A is incorrect. A colon is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.
Option B is incorrect. A semi colon is used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence.
Option D is incorrect. A pair of parentheses is used to add additional information in a sentence.

Choose the option that best corrects the given sentence:
Southampton, Cherbourg and Queenstown: were the ports the Titanic embarked from and stopped at on her maiden voyage.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Southampton, Cherbourg and Queenstown ... were the ports the Titanic embarked from and stopped at on her maiden voyage.

  2. Southampton, Cherbourg and Queenstown - were the ports the Titanic embarked from and stopped at on her maiden voyage.

  3. Southampton, Cherbourg and Queenstown; were the ports the Titanic embarked from and stopped at on her maiden voyage.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash is often used to resume a scattered subject in a sentence. Thus, the correct answer in the given sentence must be Option B.
Option A is incorrect. An ellipsis is used to indicate omission or trailing off thought.
Option C is incorrect. A semi colon is used to connect two independent clauses in a sentence.
Option D is incorrect. A colon is used to introduce a list of items in a sentence.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence. 

I prefer working in the morning to working in the evening; but why state a preference if you don't have a choice.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. I prefer working in the morning to working in the evening: but why state a preference if you don't have a choice.

  2. I prefer working in the morning to working in the evening - but why state a preference if you don't have a choice.

  3. I prefer working in the morning to working in the evening (but why state a preference if you don't have a choice?)

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, the em dash can be used in place of a colon or semi colon, when we want to emphasize at the conclusion of a sentence. In the given sentence, the speaker clearly wants to emphasize on the conclusion of the sentence. 
Thus, the correct answer is Option B.
Option C is also incorrect, as a pair pf parentheses is used to add additional but non essential information in a sentence.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence:
(Line 1) Because some members of the ballet company were absent, the dir
(Line 2) ector decided to re pair the dancers and perform the show.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Because some members of the ballet company were absent, the dir-
    ector decided to re-pair the dancers and perform the show.

  3. Because some members of the ballet company were absent, the dir
    ector decided to re-pair the dancers and perform the show.

  4. Because some members of the ballet company were absent, the dir-
    ector decided to repair the dancers and perform the show.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
When flowing text, it is sometimes preferable to break a word in half so that it continues on another line rather than moving the entire word to the next line. 
The word may be divided at the nearest break point between syllables, and a hyphen inserted to indicate that the letters form a word fragment, rather than a full word.
Compound words are connected using en dash.
According to the following rules, the correct form of writing the sentence is, as given in Option B.

(Line 1) The latest research study shows that a very low percentage of post 1980 docu
(Line 2) mentary films are about the environment.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. The latest research study shows that a very low percentage of post 1980 docu-

    mentary films are about the environment.

  2. The latest research study shows that a very low percentage of post-1980 docu

    mentary films are about the environment.

  3. The latest research study shows that a very low percentage of post-1980 docu-

    mentary films are about the environment.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
When flowing text, it is sometimes preferable to break a word in half so that it continues on another line rather than moving the entire word to the next line. 
The word may be divided at the nearest break point between syllables, and a hyphen inserted to indicate that the letters form a word fragment, rather than a full word.
Compound words are connected using en dash.
According to the following rules, the correct form of writing the sentence is, as given in Option C.

Her two year old and my ten year old wreak havoc on the flower pots when they play in the playground.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. Her two-year-old and my ten-year-old wreak havoc on the flower-pots when they play in the playground.

  3. Her two-year-old and my ten-year-old wreak havoc on the flowerpots when they play in the playground.

  4. Her two year old and my ten year old wreak havoc on the flower-pots when they play in the playground.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, certain compound words require hyphens between every word. These are known as hyphenated compound words.
In the given sentence, 'ten-year-old' and 'two-year-old' are examples of such words.
Thus, the correct form of writing the sentence is given in Option C. The remaining options are incorrect.

(Line 1) The psychologists conducted experiments by using 2, 3 and 10 minute tests on the par
(Line 2) ticipants involved.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. The psychologists conducted experiments by using 2, 3 and 10-minute tests on par
    ticipants involved.

  2. The psychologists conducted experiments by using 2, 3 and 10-minute tests on par-
    ticipants involved.

  3. The psychologists conducted experiments by using 2-, 3- and 10-minute tests on par-
    ticipants involved.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
When flowing text, it is sometimes preferable to break a word in half so that it continues on another line rather than moving the entire word to the next line. 
The word may be divided at the nearest break point between syllables, and a hyphen inserted to indicate that the letters form a word fragment, rather than a full word.
Compound words are connected using en dash.
According to the following rules, the correct form of writing the sentence is, as given in Option C.

Tokyo is known for its boat shaped museum of maritime science.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Tokyo is known for its boat-shaped Museum of Maritime Science.

  2. Tokyo is known for its boat shaped Museum-of-Maritime-Science.

  3. Tokyo is known for its boat-shaped museum - of maritime science.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:
According to general rule, a hyphen is used to connect two words to make it clear to readers that the words work together as a unit of meaning. 
Generally, the hyphen is used if two words are functioning as an adjective before the noun they are describing. If the noun comes first, the hyphen is not used.
Thus, according to rules, the correct answer is Option A. The remaining options are incorrect.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

The children love playing on the new merry go round in the park, as they do on the swings.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. The children love playing on the new merry-go-round in the park, as they do on the swings.

  3. The children love playing on the new merry go round in the park as they do on the swings.

  4. The children love playing on the new merry go round in the park - as they do on the swings.

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
According to general rule, a hyphen is used to connect two words to make it clear to readers that the words work together as a unit of meaning. In the given sentence, 'merry-go-round' is one such word.
Also, a comma is used between two clauses joined using a coordinating conjunction.
Thus, the correct answer is Option B. The other remaining options are incorrect.

(Line 1) Whenever his mother in law arrives, he is nervous, very ner
(Line 2) vous, about what she will say.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. Whenever his mother-in-law arrives, he is nervous - very ner-

    vous about what she will say.

  2. Whenever his mother in law arrives - he is nervous, very ner

    vous about what she will say.

  3. Whenever his mother-in-law arrives, he is nervous - very ner-

    vous - about what she will say.

  4. NO CHANGE

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
When flowing text, it is sometimes preferable to break a word in half so that it continues on another line rather than moving the entire word to the next line. 
The word may be divided at the nearest break point between syllables, and a hyphen inserted to indicate that the letters form a word fragment, rather than a full word.
There are certain words known as, hyphenated compound words. These words have hyphens between them. For example - mother-in-law.
Em dash is often used in a sentence for a strong emphasis on an additional information. Thus, based on the rules, the correct answer is Option C.

The night time classes are for English language learners.

Choose the option that best corrects the sentence.

dash and hyphen punctuation english

  1. NO CHANGE

  2. The night-time classes are for English language learners.

  3. The night-time classes are for English-language learners.

  4. The night time classes are for English language-learners.

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:
According to general rule, a hyphen is used to connect two words to make it clear to readers that the words work together as a unit of meaning. Generally, the hyphen is used if two words are functioning as an adjective before the noun they are describing. If the noun comes first, the hyphen is not used.
The correct answer is Option C. The other remaining options are incorrect.
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