Dash

A dash is a punctuation mark used to create a pause or a break in a sentence. A single dash can introduce an afterthought, an explanation or a dramatic reveal. A pair of dashes can enclose an aside in the middle of a sentence, like brackets but with more emphasis.

Dashes are more informal and dramatic than colons or commas, and they suit lively, expressive writing. Used with care, a dash adds punch, surprise or a sudden change of direction. Overused, it can make writing feel breathless and disorganised.

In your own writing, a well-placed dash shows control of varied punctuation, which examiners reward. It can create emphasis or a dramatic pause at exactly the right moment. In the reading paper, notice how a writer uses a dash to insert an aside or spring a surprise.

This can support a point about tone and pace. The key skill is using it deliberately rather than as a lazy replacement for other punctuation.

She reached for the door handle – and stopped. The dash holds the reader in a tense pause before the final words land.

Use a single dash to introduce a dramatic afterthought or explanation, or a pair to enclose an aside for emphasis. Keep it occasional so it keeps its impact. In analysis, explain how a dash creates a pause, surprise or aside and what that adds to tone or pace.

Avoid scattering dashes in place of full stops, which makes writing feel rushed.

You may also find Analysing sentence structure for effect and writing formats useful. Next, visit our skills guides for IGCSE English to see terms like this used in real answers. Our IGCSE English tuition page explains how lessons run. When you are ready, the paid one-hour trial is the first step.