III. DASH
A dash is a long horizontal mark ( — ) twice the length of a hyphen.
In many computer word processing programs (like WordPerfect and Microsoft Word), a dash can be made by using the number key pad: Make sure "NUMLOCK" is on. Then hold down the Alt key and type in 0151. Do not put a space before or after the dash.
A dash indicates an abrupt change of thought. Sometimes it sets off a phrase or clause for emphasis or dramatic effect.
|
|
change of thought |
I had the best meal last night—Carrabba's is my favorite restaurant—for my birthday. |
|
|
for emphasis |
Bright primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—stimulate a baby's vision. |
IV. PARENTHESES
A. Parentheses ( ) set off material which is not essential to the meaning of the text or which gives more explanation of the text.
Bruce Springstein (also known as "The Boss") gave a free concert in Central Park last night.
B. Place parentheses around dates of birth and death which follow someone's name.
Robert Frost (1874-1963) read one of his poems at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy.
V. UNDERLINE and ITALICS
Underline or italicize titles of complete works, such as books, magazines, newspapers, C.D.'s, paintings, sculpture, movies, and television shows.
NOTE: Place quotation marks around parts of those complete works.
|
|
Incorrect |
"Protection" was my favorite episode of "Law and Order: SVU" last season. |
|
|
Incorrect |
"Protection" was my favorite episode of Law and Order: SVU last season. |
|
|
Correct |
"Protection" was my favorite episode of Law and Order: SVU last season. |
|
|
Correct |
"Protection" was my favorite episode of Law and Order: SVU last season. |
|
|
Correct |
Iron Man 3 used plenty of action. |
|
|
Correct |
Iron Man 3 used plenty of action. |
NOTE: Italics and underlining are the same; therefore, on the computer, you may italicize words that you underline when you are writing by hand.
|
|
Correct |
My favorite novel is Gone with the Wind. |
|
|
Correct |
My favorite novel is Gone with the Wind. |