Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A dash is a punctuation mark that is used to indicate a sudden break or interruption in a sentence. It can be used to add emphasis, provide additional information, or create suspense.
Related terms
Ellipsis: A series of three dots (...) used to indicate an omission or pause in speech or writing.
Parentheses: Punctuation marks ( ) used to enclose additional information within a sentence.
Emphasis: The act of giving importance or significance to certain words or phrases in writing through various techniques such as italics, bolding, or underlining.