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Brackets and Dashes

Brackets and dashes can be used to add extra information to your sentences.

Brackets ( )
Brackets are used when you want to add extra information that is not really
necessary to a sentence. They just add detail.
Example:
My sister (I think you met her last year) is going to live in America.

Brackets can also enclose a whole sentence if you want to add something that is not
an important point in your writing but is something you would like the reader to know.
Example:
My sister is going to live in America. (I think I may have told you that before.)

Dashes -
A pair of dashes can be used like brackets in the middle of a sentence. They tell the
reader that you are adding some extra information.
Example:
My sister – she is older than me – is going to live in America.

A single dash can be used to add information to the end of a sentence.
Example:
My sister is going to live in America – she is older than me .

NOTE: DON’T OVER-USE BRACKETS AND DASHES. Use them occasionally!

Colons Colons are used for

introductions.

1. Colons are used to introduce a list of bullet points.

He has three good points: In my pocket I have: If the lists are single
 he is strong  three sweets words or phrases, you
 he is brave  coins only need to put a full
 he is kind.  two keys. stop after the last item.

2. Colons are used to introduce a quote or a definition.

 Teachers often say: “Good punctuation will improve your work.”
 Improve: to become better.

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