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LEGAL ENGLISH 1

DASH and HYPHEN

I. Definition

Dash - a dash signals a sudden break in the structure or thought of a sentence (Forlini,et al, 2004: 352). It is symbolized by (--).

Hyphen - hyphens are used to join certain numbers and parts of words, to join somecompound words, and to divide words at the ends of lines (Forlini, et al, 2004: 360). It issymbolized by a (-).

N.B. The hyphen is distinctively shorter than a dash. Make sure to make your hyphens half

as long as your dahes!

II. Proper Usage of Dahes

According to Forlini, et al (2004: 352), there are five main uses of a dash. These are:

1. To indicate an abrupt change of thoughtex. Reading the full text of a case helps get all the facts of a case -- by the

way, did you find the cases needed in the internet?

2. To set off interrupting ideas dramaticallyex. He was able to memorize all aggravating circumstancesyou may find

this hard to believein fifteen minutes.

3. To set off a summary statementex. Determination and a positive outlook in lifeif you have these, you may

succeed in everything you do.

4. To set off words, phrases, or clauses that interrupt a sentence with additionalbut not essential information.ex. Two aggravating circumstancesinsult to public authority and recidivismwere appreciated in this case.

5. To set off a parenthetical expression when it is long, already punctuated, orespecially dramatic.

ex. The heatthere was a lack of ventilation in the classroomhas made it

harder to concentrate on the exam.

III. Proper Usage of Hyphens

Hyphens are mainly used with numbers, word parts, and words (Ibid).

1.Numbersex. twenty-one years old

thirty-seven acres

two-thirds majority

one-half inch

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2. Word Partsa. When using a prefix

ex. mid-Octoberpro-Marcos

b.

When using words with the prefixes all-, ex-,self-, and words with the suffix-elect.ex. self-explanatory

ex-President

all-powerfulPresident-elect

Note: There are certain prefixes that are often found before proper nouns and

proper adjectives. They include the following: ante-, anti-, mid-,post-,pre-

,pro-, and un-.3. Words

Use a hyphen to combine two or more words.

a.

Compound Nounsex. brother-in-law

secretary-treasurer

jack-of-all-trades

b. Compound Adjectivesex. a strong-willed aunt

an up-to-date designa well-deserved award

c. Compound Verbsex. To double-track

To sun-dry

Note: Not all compound words are to be used with a hyphen. When you are not

really sure if you need to use a hyphen, just check the dictionary.

References:

Forlini, Gary, et al. (2004). Grammar and Composition, Volume 3. Singapore: Pearson EducationSouth Asia.

Ruschaupt, Paige. (2010). Using Hyphens Correctly. Retrieved from:

http://www.uhv.edu/ac/grammar/pdf/hyphens.pdf. Accessed July 22, 2013.

Group Members:Rodriguera, Eduard Angelo

Tiwaken, Romeo Jr

Treptor, Ronic AlbertVentura, Maria Teresita

Vitug, Jane Erika

http://www.uhv.edu/ac/grammar/pdf/hyphens.pdfhttp://www.uhv.edu/ac/grammar/pdf/hyphens.pdfhttp://www.uhv.edu/ac/grammar/pdf/hyphens.pdf