Worksheet 1: Dashes & Hyphens

Practice the fundamental differences between dashes (for separation) and hyphens (for connection). Click below to print or save as a PDF.

Worksheet 1: Dashes & Hyphens

Name: _________________________   Date: _________________________

1. Dash or Hyphen?

Read each sentence and decide if it needs a dash (—) or a hyphen (-). Write the correct mark in the blank.

1. This is a state ___ of ___ the ___ art computer.
2. My favorite colors ___ red, green, and blue ___ are all in this painting.
3. She is a well ___ known actress.
4. The answer was simple ___ he had forgotten his keys.
5. Please read pages 21 ___ 35 for homework. (Use an en dash here if possible)

2. Creating Compound Adjectives

Combine the words to create a compound adjective that correctly modifies the noun. Use a hyphen.

Original: A decision made at the last minute.

Corrected:

Original: A report that is up to date.

Corrected:

Original: A dog with three legs.

Corrected:

Original: A tour that lasts for four hours.

Corrected:

3. Creative Writing

Write one sentence that uses a hyphen to create a compound adjective, and one sentence that uses a dash to create an emphatic break.

Hyphen: _________________________________________

Dash: __________________________________________

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