Grammar: ✨ Grammar Essentials: ✏️ Writing Mechanics - Advanced (B2) - Lesson 4: Using Dashes (em-dash for emphasis, interruption) & Parentheses (for extra info)

Grammar: Advanced Punctuation

B2 Lesson 4: Using Dashes & Parentheses

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use dashes (—) for emphasis and parentheses ( ) for non-essential information to add style and clarity to your writing.

Why It Matters: A Difference in Tone

The choice between dashes and parentheses is about the style and tone you want to create. One is "loud" and the other is "quiet".

📣 Use a Dash (—) for EMPHASIS

"The final result—a complete shock to everyone—was announced."

🤫 Use Parentheses ( ) for SIDE NOTES

"The final result (a complete shock to everyone) was announced."

The Grammar Rules 📖

How to Use the Dash (—)

Use a dash to create a strong, noticeable break in a sentence to add emphasis or show a sudden change of thought.

• To emphasize a final thought:
  "He finally achieved his dream—to open his own cafe in Battambang."
• To show an interruption:
  "I was about to leave when—I can't believe I forgot!—I realized it was her birthday."
• To set off an extra comment:
  "The food at the market—all of it cooked fresh—was absolutely delicious."

How to Use Parentheses ( )

Use parentheses to add extra, non-essential information quietly. The sentence must still make sense if you remove the parentheses.

• "The Bamboo Train (also known as a 'nori' in Khmer) is a popular tourist attraction."
• "Please read the entire report (especially the conclusion on page 5) before our meeting."

💡 Pro Tip: Dash vs. Hyphen

Be careful not to confuse a dash with a hyphen (-)! A hyphen connects words (like "state-of-the-art"), while an em dash (—) separates phrases. Most word processors automatically create an em dash if you type two hyphens (--) and then a space.

Practice Your Punctuation 🎯

Exercise: Choose the Punctuation

Choose the best punctuation for each sentence's intended meaning.

1. To add a quiet, non-essential clarification: "The currency of Cambodia ___ the Riel ___ is used everywhere."
   → Answer: ( ) - Parentheses are best for a quiet side note.
2. To add a dramatic, final thought: "She wanted only one thing ___ revenge."
   → Answer: — (a dash). It adds a strong, dramatic pause.
3. Which punctuation mark gives the MOST emphasis to the words it contains?
   → Answer: The dash (—).

Your Grammar Mission ⭐

Punctuate with Style

Write your own sentences using these advanced punctuation marks.

1. Write a sentence about a place in Battambang, adding an extra fact in parentheses.
   (Example: We visited Wat Ek Phnom (an 11th-century temple) last weekend.)
2. Write a sentence about a surprising event, using a dash for dramatic emphasis.
   (Example: Everyone thought the exam was easy—but I failed.)

Key Vocabulary

• Dash (—) (Noun) | សញ្ញាចុច ngang
  A punctuation mark used to indicate a break in a sentence or to add emphasis.
• Parentheses ( ) (Noun) | វង់ក្រចក
  A pair of marks used to set off extra, non-essential information.
• Emphasis (Noun) | ការសង្កត់ធ្ងន់
  Special importance or attention given to something.
• Non-essential (Adjective) | មិនចាំបាច់
  Not necessary; not needed for the main sentence to make sense.