Using dashes, colons, and commas for effect in descriptive writing
I can use punctuation accurately and explain its effect.
Using dashes, colons, and commas for effect in descriptive writing
I can use punctuation accurately and explain its effect.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A dash can be used to indicate a pause, added emphasis, an interruption, or an abrupt change of thought.
- Dashes can be used to replace brackets or colons.
- Commas are used to separate words, clauses or ideas within a sentence.
- Colons can be used to connect main clauses, add emphasis to a word or phrase, or introduce an explanation.
- Colons can also be used to introduce lists.
Common misconception
That looking at punctuation is very dry and has no impact on the way you see a text or a character.
The way that writers use and play with punctuation can have a profound impact on the way we view a text or character's emotions.
Keywords
Effect - A noun used to denote a consequence, an outcome, a result, or an influence.
Tone - The general mood or feeling of a text.
Accurate - To be correct, exact and without any mistakes.
Punctuation - The marks, such as full-stops and commas, used in writing to separate sentences and their elements and to clarify meaning.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Comma after the subordinate clause
Commas around the subordinate clause
No comma