In conjunction of The Elements of Style.
Chapter 8: Use a dash to set off an abrupt break or interruption and to announce a long appositive or summary.
Allow me to start off with a few examples.
"A dash is a mark of separation stronger than a comma, less formal than a colon, and more relaxed than parentheses" (Strunk and White 9). Basically, whenever you want something abrupt - like what I am doing now - or want to emphasize a sentence, use dashes! You can also use dashes whenever you have a long appositive.
Examples from The Element of Style:
Chapter 15: Put statements in positive form.
I did not remember to finish my literature assignment. Let me rephrase that. I forgot to finish my literature assignment.
See the difference? (If not, sorry for my terrible example.)
"Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, noncommittal language. Use the word not as a means of denial or in antithesis, never as a means of evasion" (Strunk and White 19). The reader would appreciate it more to be told what is, rather than what is not. Hence, it is better to write negatives in a positive form.
Allow me to start off with a few examples.
- She is my friend - my only friend - that I can trust.
- I passed my test - well, I cheated - but I still passed.
- Of course I'll help you with your homework - as long as I get something in return.
"A dash is a mark of separation stronger than a comma, less formal than a colon, and more relaxed than parentheses" (Strunk and White 9). Basically, whenever you want something abrupt - like what I am doing now - or want to emphasize a sentence, use dashes! You can also use dashes whenever you have a long appositive.
Examples from The Element of Style:
- His first thought on getting out of bed - if he had any thought at all - was to get back in again.
- The rear axle began to make a noise - a grinding, chattering, teeth-gritting rasp.
- The increasing reluctance of the sun to rise, the extra nip in the breeze, the patter of shed leaves dropping - all the evidences of fall drifting into winter were clearer each day.
Chapter 15: Put statements in positive form.
I did not remember to finish my literature assignment. Let me rephrase that. I forgot to finish my literature assignment.
See the difference? (If not, sorry for my terrible example.)
"Make definite assertions. Avoid tame, colorless, hesitating, noncommittal language. Use the word not as a means of denial or in antithesis, never as a means of evasion" (Strunk and White 19). The reader would appreciate it more to be told what is, rather than what is not. Hence, it is better to write negatives in a positive form.
Examples from The Element of Style:
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Other things to consider is to avoid writing statements with unnecessary auxiliaries as they sound resolute. Auxiliaries such as would, should, could, may, might, and can should be used with there is real uncertainty.
Examples:
Your interview may leave a good impression if you state your capabilities.
Chapter 20: Keep related words together.
"The position of words in a sentence is the principal means of showing their relationship" (Strunk and White 28). This rule should be pretty straight forward, but here are some examples just in case.
He noticed a large stain in the rug that was right in the center.
My dog was sleeping on my bed in the corner.
Examples:
Your interview may leave a good impression if you state your capabilities.
- Your interview will leave a good impression if you state your capabilities.
- It will help with your work if you stay organized.
Chapter 20: Keep related words together.
"The position of words in a sentence is the principal means of showing their relationship" (Strunk and White 28). This rule should be pretty straight forward, but here are some examples just in case.
He noticed a large stain in the rug that was right in the center.
- He noticed a large stain right in the center of the rug.
My dog was sleeping on my bed in the corner.
- My dog was sleeping in the corner on my bed.