Page 939 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing
P. 939
The colon introduces a clarification of Ed’s managerial style.
The Dash
While the colon is a formal mark of punctuation, the dash is an
informal mark. Like a colon, a dash is used to introduce a list,
restatement, or clarification. A dash is also used to set off material that
a writer wants to emphasize.
A dash introduces a list or restatement. When used in this way, a dash
must be preceded by a complete sentence. A dash is typed as two
hyphens, with no spaces before or after.
Example of a Dash to Introduce a List
In her purse, Dot carried the necessities—a pen, a checkbook,
her credit card, and a lipstick.
The dash is used here to introduce a list of the items in Dot’s purse.
Example of a Dash to Introduce a
Restatement
Brian says his kids have just one method of locomotion—
running.
