Short Dash
Hyphen Usage 1
Hyphen Usage 2
Long Dash Usage
All-in-one
100

What is the short dash used for on the ACT?

To show junk, or non-necessary information in the sentence.

100

What are the uses of the hyphen in a sentence?

To divide a word where there is not enough space for the whole word

Used to combine adjectives

100

Where is the hyphen placed?

The snow covered trees were sparkling in the morning.

The snow-covered trees were sparkling in the morning.

100

When is a long dash used?

It is used in place of a colon (list of one)

100

What is the other name of a short dash?

En dash.

200

Where is the right placement for the short dash?

The factory worker my dad had a hard day at work

The factory worker-my dad-had a hard day at work.

200

When using a hyphen to divide a word when there is not enough space, where does the hyphen go?

In goes where the syllable ends.

EX: pow-er, look-ing, etc

200

Where is the hyphen placed?

Santa placed the gift wrapped presents under the tree.

Santa placed the gift-wrapped presents under the tree.

200

Where is the long dash placed?

The holiday season is here a time for celebration with friends and family!

The holiday season is here—a time for celebration with friends and family!

200

What is the other name of a long dash?

Em dash.

300

Where is the right placement for the short dash?

The Christmas parade in town which was held at the plaza every year was very exciting for the people.

The Christmas parade in town-which was held at the plaza every year-was very exciting for the people.

300

Where is the hyphen placed?

The children were ex

cited to see Santa.


The children were ex-

 cited to see Santa.

300

Where is the hyphen placed?

Dad carefully placed the hand painted ornaments on the tree.

Dad carefully placed the hand-painted ornaments on the tree.

300

Where is the long dashed placed?

The Christmas dinner was ready a meal of holiday favorites


The Christmas dinner was ready—a meal of holiday favorites

300

Where is the short dash located?

During Christmas Eve, I am excited which I usually am for presents!

During Christmas Eve, I am excited-which I usually am-for presents!

400

Where is the right placement for the short dash?

The snow white and soft covered the ground. It made everything look like a winter wonderland.

The snow-white and soft-covered the ground. It made everything look like a winter wonderland.

400

Where is the hyphen placed?

The family was ready to open gifts and cele

brate Christmas together.

The family was ready to open gifts and cele-

brate Christmas together.

400

Where is the hyphen placed?

The town square was filled with holiday themed decorations; the snow, scattered everywhere, added to the festive cheer.

The town square was filled with holiday-themed decorations; the snow, scattered everywhere, added to the festive cheer.

400

Where is the long dash placed?

I finally got the game I wanted Super Mario Odyssey! This was the best Christmas gift ever!

I finally got the game I wanted—Super Mario Odyssey! This was the best Christmas gift ever!

400

Where is the right placement for the hyphen?

The hot chocolate, a much loved drink, warmed us up after playing in the snow. It was a perfect way to end the day!

The hot chocolate, a much-loved drink, warmed us up after playing in the snow. It was a perfect way to end the day!

500

Where is the right placement for the short dash? 

The Christmas dinner which was attended by all my family was held on the same day each year. We all came together even my aunt Lisa, who is always busy to play games and have fun.

The Christmas dinner-which was attended by all my family-was held on the same day each year. We all came together-even my aunt Lisa, who is always busy- to play games and have fun.

500

Where is the hyphen placed?

The snow made everyone feel jolly; people gave pre

sents to their friends and family.

The snow made everyone feel jolly; people gave pre-

sents to their friends and family.

500

Where is the hyphen placed?

The children made a gingerbread house with candy covered walls; they showed this creation to their mom proudly.

The children made a gingerbread house with candy-covered walls; they showed this creation to their mom proudly.

500

Where is the long dash placed?

The snow started falling until it covered the streets; it was everywhere. The best Christmas gift would be one thing cancelling school.

The snow started falling until it covered the streets; it was everywhere. The best Christmas gift would be one thing—cancelling school.

500

Where is the long dash located?

Kids love Christmas; they love playing in the snow, sledding, and opening stockings! But the one thing they love most is opening presents

Kids love Christmas; they love playing in the snow, sledding, and opening stockings! But the one thing they love most is—opening presents