Punctuation: hyphens and dashes.

study the nuances of the Russian language can be a lifetime, so not completely mastered the hard science.This article will talk about the special punctuation marks, which are called "hyphen" and "dash".What is the difference between them and how they write (or print) - this will understand.

What is it?

Yet we must first understand the concepts themselves.So, hyphens and dashes - they are two completely different, not only in writing but also by purpose punctuation.It should be said that the rules of writing is not so easy - there are so many different nuances of when and how to use one or other punctuation mark.Understand this - the main goal of this article.The important would be the basic rule to be followed in order to avoid errors:

• hyphen used to connect parts of a word;
• dash is designed to separate two words (if the word blurts out something in place to be followed by a dash slight pause).

main problems

So understood that quite different in purpose are the hyphen and a dash (the difference lies in the rules of writing).Now it is considered the most complex situations when a person may have doubts that the supply - a hyphen or dash.

1. hyphen is put in writing hyphenated name (Petrov-Vodkin, Gay-Lussac).
2. dash placed in the name of those laws, which are named after the names of a few scientists (Boyle's law).
3. dash placed in numerical and spatial ranges (20-21 th century, on pages 1-2, Kiev-Moscow).However, if this election turnover "one or the other", in which case you need to put a hyphen (three to four days).
4. In various rooms, numerals written hyphen (tel. 5-36-42).

is important to say that if the words that are hyphenated, transformed into phrases, then you have to put a dash or a general permit.Example: "half a spoon" turned into "sex tablespoon."

There is a third?

The Russian language has two punctuation marks that look about the same - a hyphen and a dash (when writing a different length rods).However, the topography there is one of their kinsman, that looks about the same - it's a minus.How do you determine what is printed on a page?So, the main rule is to look at the length of the rod, which is printed on the sheet.Everything should look something like this:

• Hyphen: -.
• Less: -.
• dash: -.

At first glance, might differ and not very visible, but they are just there.Hyphen - the shortest of characters, followed by a minus, and only then the dash - the longest punctuation.

About the computer set

dealt with punctuation marks, should also learn and remember how to dial a hyphen and a dash in "the Word."Thus, for this purpose there is some combination of keys.

1. To dial a dash (hyphen, dash), for it is easy to find on the keyboard corresponding to the sign (there are two keys).
2. Minus (En dash).To gain this sign, you klatsnut the Ctrl + hyphen on the right numeric keypad (calculator).
3. dash (Em dash).To put the punctuation mark, it is necessary klatsnut following shortcut: Alt + Ctrl + hyphen on the right numeric keypad (calculator).

but you can also use special codes to dial a hyphen and a dash on the keyboard.Tyre - 0151;hyphen - 0150. To enter just need to press Alt + sign corresponding to the required code.

about writing characters

So we know what the hyphens and dashes.What is the difference in the set - clear.Now it is necessary to consider some rules of their writing.So, if you need to decide what is written - a hyphen or minus (the signs are very similar to each other), it should be remembered that little hyphen.Less well should be aligned to the width of the plus sign.Another very important rule: dash computer with both sides fighting off spaces, hyphens - no.A very curious fact: dash computer bounces on the width of the letter m, therefore, the English version is called Em dash.The same applies to the remaining characters: minus - the width of the n (En dash), a dash - just a very short stick (dash).

rules when hyphen

So, when it is necessary to use a hyphen, according to the rules of the Russian language?

1. To attach particles (once, by someone).
2. To join prefixes (in Russian, in the first place).
3. If necessary, the separation of complex words (chemical and biological).
4. If you need a sign of reduction (number, nat-ra).
5. in the phrase (internet cafe, business lunch).
6. How hyphen (which, incidentally, on the Internet today practically does not occur).

Simple rules when put dashes

considering punctuation such as hyphens and dashes, the differences in their application, to remember the rules.So, when you need to use a dash?

1. to indicate direct speech.
2. This symbol is placed between the parts of the sentence.
3. for connection dates, distances (11-12 th century, the Kiev-Moscow).
4. to replace the repeated words that go straight into the same category.
5. Other rules of the Russian language.

rules of the Russian language

It should be said that there are so many different nuances in the writing of such a punctuation mark as a dash.So, when it should be applied correctly?

1. between subject and predicate, when the tie is zero, and the principal members expressed a noun or a numeral (Love - the charm of nature).
2. Before these words: it is, that means that there are between predicate and subject (dreams - this is a serious mental illness).
3. If there is a pause in incomplete sentences.
4. Intonational dash between any members of the proposal.
5. in the notes when inexplicable word must be separated from the explanation.
6. If the proposal is explanatory, a dash can be used for separation.
7. for logical separation application, if it is in the end of the sentence.
8. to highlight shapely designs.
9. also put a dash in a compound sentence, if there is found the opposition or rapid change of events.
10. In conjunctionless proposals (if the second part is opposed to the first, if the second part is, compared to the first, the second part is a deduction with respect to the first part, and if the proposal is expressed rapidly changing events, the second part of the proposal - the first connecting part).

However, it should be said that this is not an exhaustive list, but when should put a dash.In total, you can count up to 50 rules and nuances.Above also presents the most common applications of punctuation.

When the dash is not put

Studying punctuation such as hyphens and dashes should also consider the situation where the dash is not used in the proposals.

1. If predicate to have opening remarks, denial, particle Union adverb (I am very sorry that my husband is not a doctor).
2. In the case before the predicate is a minor member of the proposals relating thereto (All Russia is our orchard).
3. be subject precedes the verb (a glorious place this valley).
4. Tyre is not put, if the subject with the predicate make idiomatic expression (someone else's soul darkness).
5. If the subject is expressed personal pronoun, verb noun necessarily expressed in the nominative case.
6. The various proposals conversational style.

simple conclusion

understand how and when to properly use such punctuation like hyphens and dashes should also know how to distinguish between them in the already written text.After reading this article, you can easily understand all the nuances and never gets into trouble, which relate to an illiterate like writing in form of punctuation marks.