GNF - Dashes and Brackets

The Grammar Nazi Files:
Part #7: Dashes and Brackets:.
_{Most information from:
Truss, L. 2007 Eats, Shoots and Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation. Great Britain: Profile Books
Rose, A. & Purkis, R. 1991. English Grammar: A reference book for schools and colleges. Pietermaritzburg: Shuter & Shooter}

So far we have looked at punctuation that changes the inflection (tone) of the word or sentence.
E.g. Hello? vs Hello!

However, it can be just as effective to lower your voice. This is where dashes and brackets come in; they muffle the tone of the sentence.

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The Dash:
Nowadays the dash is seen as the enemy of punctuation due to its overuse in text messages, where it often replaces all other punctuation marks. However, it is not only easy to use, it is easy to see.

One must understand the difference between the dash and the hyphen.
- The Dash: Connects or separates phrases and sentences.
- The Hyphen: Connects or separates words.

The Single Dash:
The single dash creates dramatic disjointed sentences which can be used for shock, humour, etc.

Uses:

Number One: To Indicate Interruption:
E.g. "But Sir, I – "
"No excuses boy!"
NOTE: The dash replaces the full stop (period).

Number Two: To Indicate an Abrupt Change of Thought:
E.g. "I want to speak about jet-lag – no, I'll leave that until later."

Number Three: To Show Hesitation:
E.g. Well – er – all I can say is – er – "Thanks."

Number Four: To Set Apart a Strongly Expressed Part of the Sentence:
E.g. Jack was angry – no furious – at such impertinence.

Double Dashes:
These are a bracketing device and the only issue that arises is whether to use them or change to brackets.

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Brackets:
Brackets come in four types. They lift up a section of text and hold it up above the rest.
Firstly: Round Brackets (UK: Brackets; US: Parenthesis)

Uses:

Number One: Parenthesis:
Holding a word or group of words that is not necessary for the grammatical structure of the sentence.
E.g. Mr Johns (the architect) lives next door.

Number Two: Adding Information, Clarifying, Explaining, Illustrating:
E.g. Robert Maxwell wasn't dead yet (he was still suing people).

Number Three: For Author's Asides or Comments:
E.g. Jones was blamed for the tragedy (isn't that interesting?).

Secondly:Square Brackets [UK: Square Brackets; US: Brackets]

Uses:

Number One: To Clarify a Direct Quote Without Changing the Original Text:
E.g. She [Mary Jones] said "bla, bla, bla."

Number Two: Around the Word 'sic':
2.1 Explaining an apparent mistake that is actually quoted that way.
E.g. She asked for "a packet of Starburst [sic]"

2.2 Where the mistakes only look like a mistake to the human eye.

2.3 Where it would be dishonourable to change the error.

Number Three: To Enclose the Ellipses When Words are Left Out:

Thirdly: Brace Brackets {Derived from Maths}

Fourthly:Angle Brackets <used with internet coding among other things>

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Next: The Grammar Nazi Files Part #8: Ellipses and Hyphens