Using Hyphens, Dashes, and Parentheses
Hyphens
The hyphen is used to:
divide words into syllables when a writer must break a word at the end of a line or text.
join the parts of some compound words, such as:
……
The Dash
The dash is a special mark of punctuation used to signal a pause. Dashes enliven and energize writing. Dashes are used to:
emphasize a word or phrase within a sentence:
The three international transfer students—Shari, Said, and Caleb—introduced themselves and thanked their host university for the warm and embracing welcome they had been afforded.
……
Parentheses
Parentheses are used:
to set off additional material from the rest of the sentence such as an explanation, clarification, example, aside, digression, and afterthought:
……