Punctuation Rules
Hyphens, Dashes, Parentheses

1. Use a hyphen to divide a word (between syllables) at the end of a line.

2. Use a hyphen to join the parts of compound numbers and to join two or more words that work together as one adjective before a noun.

	Ex: thirty-two
	Ex: one-half teaspoon
	Ex: long-range plans

Dash:

A dash is longer than a hyphen.  Use dashes to show a sudden change of thought.

Ex: Tom and Alex are very close --- most brothers are.

Parentheses:

Use parentheses to enclose unnecessary information or information that the readers may already know.

	Ex: Charles Lindbergh (1902 - 1974) was a pioneer in aviation.
	Ex: The president (Cooper Smith) presented the award.

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