Correct Use of Dashes and Examples according to EYD

In writing, whether in the form of texts, papers, scientific works, theses or whatever, of course, the use of punctuation marks is not spared. Some use of punctuation needed in the formation of sentences, such as use of dot, use of commas, use of colon, use of question marks and exclamation points, use of slashes. use of single quotation marks and quotation marks and others. In this opportunity, we will discuss about the use of dashes, functions, and examples in sentences.

The use of dashes has several functions and rules that are sufficient unique compared to other punctuation marks. The use of certain types of dashes in sentences, may not be very familiar or not used often. However, you can use it to clarify the meaning of certain words or sentences. The following is an explanation of the correct use of dashes and examples according to EYD in Indonesian.

Definition of a dash

The dash is represented by a dash as follows (—) en dash or you can also use two hyphens (–) called em dash. The dash is similar to the hyphen, but is slightly longer and has a different function. It is explained that the length of the symbol of the dash is as long as the letter 'n' while in the dash the length of the symbol is as long as the letter 'm'.

Split Mark Function

This dash has several functions in a sentence, as follows:

1. To limit the insertion of words or sentences that provide explanations outside the sentence structure.
2. To emphasize the existence of an appositional statement or other information so that the sentence becomes clearer. Surrounds the part of the sentence that provides an explanation, description, or comment on the main sentence.

Usage and Examples of dashes in sentences

The dash in the sentence can be used according to its function and is applied to the following examples:

1. A dash is used to limit the insertion of words or sentences

The use of dashes in limiting the insertion of words or sentences without being preceded and ended by a space. Words or sentences in dashes provide a more specific explanation of the meaning and limit the main sentence/main sentence.

Example:

• The nation's independence – I believe it will be achieved – was fought for by the nation itself.
• That independence—the right of all nations—must be defended.
• That success—I believe—can be achieved if we are willing to work hard.
• Typical regional culture – mandatory – needs to be preserved.
• The voice of the people – I am sure it will be heard – will support public decisions nationally.
• Pancasila – which is believed to be the basis of the state – must be implemented in accordance with the verses contained therein.
• The judge made a decision – after the truth was discovered – in the court.
• The Champion Trophy in the competition – I believe it can be achieved – belongs to Dodi.
• My success – I believe – can be achieved with hard work and never give up.
• The winner of the election – I believe – is a highly educated person.

1. A dash is used to enclose explanatory words or sentences.

The word or sentence in the dash gives an explanation of the previous word or sentence. For example on sentence In the first example, the word 'this' is explained by a sentence enclosed in a dash. This word means evolution, the theory of relativity, and atomic fission. The use of dashes is not accompanied by a space before or after the dash.

Example:

• This series of discoveries—evolution, the theory of relativity, and now also atomic fission—has changed our perception of the universe.
• The Indonesian Language Priority Movement – ​​the mandate of the Youth Pledge – must continue to be improved.
• The raising of the Red and White flag – the symbol of the State of Indonesia – is accompanied by a firm and respectful attitude.
• On November 25, teachers—unsung heroes—commemorate National Teachers' Day.
• In an international event held in Bali, Mr. Jokowi – the President of the Republic of Indonesia – opened the event with a speech.
• The contemporary hierarchical structure of science – paradigms, philosophy, contextual models, practice theory – is the basis for the formation of scientific disciplines in the world.
• The entire universe – the planets, the moon, the sun, and everything in them – was created by God Almighty.
• The typical Palembang food – empek empek – is a favorite of heads of foreign embassies visiting Indonesia.
• Health workers – doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and others – carry out humanitarian actions as their profession.

1. A dash is used between two numbers which means 'up to' or 'up to'

Used as an intermediary for numbers, time, numbering, and place. The symbol (–) means up to or up to. Its use is in the middle of the intended word or number, not at the end word or enclosed sentences such as the previous example of using dashes. The use of dashes in this type is the same, that is, without a space before or after the dash.

Example:

• This event will be held at 08.00–09.30 WIB.
• The inventor of Caring Theory, Jean Watson lived from 1878–1958.
• The 58th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia was held very lively.
• The train to Jakarta–Surabaya has experienced delays in its departure schedule.
• Ami's wedding ceremony was held on January 9-10 2017.
• Lee Jong Ki served 2 years of military service from 2013–2015.
• Dad arranged the purchase of a return ticket for a family vacation from January 1–4 2017.
• Travel time from Jember to Jakarta ranges from 20–21 hours.
• The longest reign, namely the New Order era under the leadership of President Soeharto, lasted from 1966-1998.
• Graduation ceremony for prospective university graduates Indonesia scheduled for 12-13 February 2017.

The dash according to its function gives a specific meaning when used in a sentence. Likewise with other punctuation marks. Punctuation in language Indonesian is used to clarify the meaning of a word or sentence, so that the reader better understands the intended meaning.

In this dash, the characteristic is that there is no space before and after the dash, so it looks merged. Here, the dash replaces the space and as a descriptor. Hopefully the explanation of the use of dashes and examples are correct according to EYD in English Indonesia above, can provide ease of good understanding in applying dashes that.