DASHES
A dash is created on a typewriter by typing two unspaced hyphens (--) without any spaces on either side of the dash.
Depending on the word processing software, (-) is usually created by inputting two unspaced hyphens.
Neither the thought before nor the thought after a dash has to be a complete sentence. Sometimes a dash is used to emphasize a short, initial thought:
Keeping your wits about you--that's the first rule of survival in an emergency.
A dash can also serve to link particulars to a summary statement:
Fast-moving, assertive, competitive, outspoken, blunt--these are the characteristics of a director-type personality.
In addition, dashes can link complete sentences:
Such individuals try to shape their environments and relationships--often they are unsuccessful.
Yes. Dashes can serve as a "soft" version of a colon, giving emphasis to that which follows:
Your style may resemble that of your associates--some you may harmonize with and some tend to "rub you the wrong way."
Yes. When used this way, dashes are significantly more emphatic than commas and slightly more emphatic than parentheses:
Always remember that at any one point in time--especially when under stress--one style will predominate.
In like manner, dashes may be used to insert a thought within a sentence that is related to but not directly part of the main idea of the sentence:
Our committee was given the responsibility for developing goals and objectives--a mission statement had been created earlier--that would be implemented by all departments involved in the quality improvement program.
