loses its effect. Use it sparingly andneveruse it instead of a
comma or full stop. It can be used for emphasis but not too
frequently.
Use it in the middle of a sentence to separate your additional
words: a dash should go either side of them.
I saw – or thought I saw – a white figure disappearing into
the woods.A single dash can be used between two clauses to reinforce
the first one.
Your spelling is weak – you must learn the basic rules.Looking at brackets
Round bracketscan sometimes be used instead of dashes to
insert an extra idea into a sentence. Like dashes, they should
be used sparingly.
The Millennium Dome (in spite of all the problems) was
completed on time.Both dashes and brackets can usually be replaced by com-
mas if they are in the middle of a sentence.
I saw, or thought I saw, a white figure disappearing into
the woods.
The Millennium Dome, in spite of all the problems, was
completed on time.92 / IMPROVE YOUR PUNCTUATION & GRAMMAR