Comma Queen: Mad Dash

Synopsis

Mary Norris discusses the difference between hyphens, n-dashes, and m-dashes. She explains that a hyphen is a short mark used to create compound words like 'cinder block walls' and to break words at the end of a line. The n-dash serves as a hybrid punctuation mark, linking compounds, such as in the example of the 'New York-New Haven Railway.' Norris highlights that the m-dash, which is the width of a capital letter 'M,' is a versatile punctuation mark used to separate parts of a sentence or indicate pauses. She notes that m-dashes can replace commas for clarity, especially in complex sentences, and are preferred in dialogue over semicolons. Norris emphasizes the importance of understanding these punctuation marks for effective writing.