Em-Dash vs. En-Dash vs. Hyphen (B2)

Which dash is used to join compound words such as "mother-in-law" and "well-known"?

Em-dash (—)En-dash (–)Hyphen (-)Any of the three — they are interchangeable.

Correct answer: Hyphen (-)

Which dash correctly expresses a page range such as pages 45 to 78?

Hyphen (-): pages 45-78En-dash (–): pages 45–78Em-dash (—): pages 45—78Any dash will do in informal writing.

Correct answer: En-dash (–): pages 45–78

Which sentence uses the CORRECT dash?

She had one dream — to travel the world.She had one dream – to travel the world.She had one dream - to travel the world.All three are equally acceptable in modern usage.

Correct answer: She had one dream — to travel the world.

Which sentence CORRECTLY uses an en-dash?

She is a well–known author.The London–Edinburgh train takes about four hours.He arrived late – but apologised immediately.The vote was 7–3 in favour of the proposal.

Correct answer: The London–Edinburgh train takes about four hours.

What is the MAIN difference between an en-dash and a hyphen?

They are identical; "en-dash" is just the American name for "hyphen".A hyphen joins word parts; an en-dash indicates ranges or connections between equals.An en-dash is used after introductory clauses; a hyphen is used in lists.A hyphen is used in informal writing; an en-dash in formal writing.

Correct answer: A hyphen joins word parts; an en-dash indicates ranges or connections between equals.

Which sentence uses the WRONG type of dash?

She is a full-time employee.She is a full—time employee.She is a full–time employee.Both B and C use the wrong dash.

Correct answer: She is a full—time employee.

In the phrase "the 2015–2020 financial report", which dash is correct and why?

Hyphen (-): it joins the two years as a compound modifier.En-dash (–): it indicates a range between two years.Em-dash (—): it separates the years for emphasis.Any dash is acceptable for year ranges in modern usage.

Correct answer: En-dash (–): it indicates a range between two years.

Which sentence is CORRECTLY punctuated?

The project - already three months late - was finally completed.The project – already three months late – was finally completed.The project — already three months late — was finally completed.All three are acceptable in informal writing.

Correct answer: The project — already three months late — was finally completed.

What is the en-dash used for in "the New York–Los Angeles flight"?

To join the two city names as a compound modifier.To indicate a range or connection between two equal terms.To show that the flight was interrupted or delayed.To replace a comma in a list.

Correct answer: To indicate a range or connection between two equal terms.

Which sentence uses all three marks (em-dash, en-dash, hyphen) in their CORRECT roles?

The well—known author wrote a bestseller from 2019-2022.The well–known author wrote a bestseller from 2019—2022.The well-known author wrote her latest novel — a bestseller — between 2019 and 2022.The well-known author wrote a bestseller from 2019-2022 — an excellent run.

Correct answer: The well-known author wrote her latest novel — a bestseller — between 2019 and 2022.

Which statement about the em-dash is TRUE?

The em-dash is used for numerical and date ranges.The em-dash joins parts of compound words.The em-dash is the longest mark and is used for sentence-level emphasis and apposition.The em-dash is the same as the en-dash in American English.

Correct answer: The em-dash is the longest mark and is used for sentence-level emphasis and apposition.

In "Please read chapters 3–7 before the exam", what is the en-dash doing?

Joining "chapters" and "3" as a compound modifier.Indicating a range of chapters from 3 to 7.Showing a contrast between chapter 3 and chapter 7.Replacing a comma between two numbers.

Correct answer: Indicating a range of chapters from 3 to 7.

Which sentence contains a dash error?

He worked from 9–5 every day.She re–wrote the essay three times.The book covers pages 1–150.The CEO — an industry veteran — retired last month.

Correct answer: She re–wrote the essay three times.

Which sentence is the clearest and most correctly punctuated?

He was self–employed from 2010—2020 - a decade of growth.He was self—employed from 2010-2020 — a decade of growth.He was self-employed from 2010–2020 — a decade of steady growth.He was self-employed from 2010—2020, a decade of growth.

Correct answer: He was self-employed from 2010–2020 — a decade of steady growth.

When typing in plain text (where special characters are unavailable), which is the MOST accepted substitute for an em-dash?

A single hyphen (-)Two hyphens (--)A forward slash (/)A colon (:)

Correct answer: Two hyphens (--)