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Punctuation
Hyphens, Dashes and Parentheses
Joining words and interrupting clauses.
Explanation
Hyphens join words that act as a single modifier before a noun. A dash marks a sharp interruption or a strong aside, while parentheses add a quieter one. Use paired marks consistently and never leave one half unclosed.
Examples
- She is a well-known translator.
- The plan, however, needs funding. The plan needs funding; however, the timeline is tight.
- Three colleagues (two from Oslo) joined remotely.
Common mistakes
She is a well known translator.
She is a well-known translator.
Hyphenate a compound modifier before a noun.
The plan (which needed funding.
The plan (which needed funding) was approved.
Parentheses come in pairs.
More Punctuation
Comma Use in Sentences
Clauses, lists and introductory phrases.
Semicolons and Colons
Joining related clauses and introducing lists.
Apostrophes and Quotation Marks
Possession, contractions and reported wording.
Run-ons, Fragments and Comma Splices
Recognising and repairing broken sentences.
Capitalisation Rules
What to capitalise and what not to.