Punctuating Pauses

The type of punctuation used to show a pause shapes the tone of the sentence.

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Common Core standard L.8.2.a

Pauses

What they are: In writing, especially in writing longer sentences, pauses are essential. There are a number of reasons a writer will use pauses, but in essence they are used to separate thoughts or concepts within a sentence.

Why they’re used: Pauses can be used for dramatic effect, to separate items in a list, to separate independent clauses, to separate dependent clauses at the beginning of a sentence, and to separate dialogue from its tag, among other reasons.

Punctuation options: The three in-sentence punctuation options for pauses are the comma, the dash, and the ellipsis.

Comma

What it is: The comma is arguably the most versatile pause-punctuator. Its lower level curly shape is familiar to most writers from a young age, and it serves many purposes. They are found in the middle of sentences, never at the end.

When it’s used: The comma is used to separate independent clauses within a sentence, to separate a dependent clause at the beginning of the sentences from the rest of the sentence itself, to separate items in a list, and to separate dialogue from its tag. Commas are also frequently used to set apart nonrestrictive elements or nonessential appositives.

How it’s read: If a period requires a full breath for a pause when read aloud, a comma takes half a breath. It’s a gentle pause, not really enough to interrupt the flow of the sentence, but enough to help the reader keep ideas separate.

Examples: “I say,” she said.

When going to the beach, I pack sunscreen, snacks, and a good book.

My uncle, Stuart, plays lead guitar in a rock band.

Although she tried her hardest, Bertha just couldn’t get the square peg into the triangular hole.

Dash

What it is: The dash – sometimes called an em-dash – is a long horizontal line in the middle of the line of text. It’s not quite as versatile as the comma, though there is some overlap. They can be found in the middle of sentences or hanging off at the end if the sentence ends abruptly.

When it’s used: Like commas, dashes can be used to set information apart as in a nonessential appositive or nonrestrictive element. Unlike commas, the can also be used to show an abrupt cutoff of a thought – usually in dialogue – or an abrupt change in thought. Be careful: Dashes are quite powerful, and like all great power, they come with great responsibility. If you overuse them, they will lose their impact. Save dashes for when the abruptness really matters.

How it’s read: When reading a dash aloud, it’s almost like the reader holds their breath for the dash. A period allows for a full breath, and a comma allows for half a breath, but a dash reads like a cessation of breath. Remember: Dashes are abrupt!

Examples: “I thought that you were – ” a rumbling noise cut her off.

The pets – a bird, a cat, and a rat – ran away from home.

Some grammar concepts are fascinating and enlightening – but most are dull and boring.

Ellipsis

What it is: An ellipsis is formed from three dots, often with a space in between, though style books disagree on the exact format. They can be used in the middle or at the end of sentences.

When it’s used: An ellipsis signals a trailing off of thought or dialogue. It’s best for showing a slow, dramatic buildup or a thought trailing off as the character, narrator, or writer shifts to thinking about something else.

How it’s read: Consider it the thinking pause…the reader slows the last word and trails off across the ellipsis.

Examples: “I need…water…” the lost hiker whispered.

The streamers were hung…balloons were filled…guests arrived…and at last they shouted “Surprise!”

“I find grammar fascinating…” the English teacher whispered as she stared lovingly at a grammar book.

Practice! Which punctuation mark would you use in each blank?
*Note: There are no answers, as the focus should be on justifying your choice rather than getting it “right.”

“I don’t know___” Jimothy whispered.

Where did you get that ___ that thing?

My dog ___ a golden retriever ___ loves to lay in the sun on the porch.

Watch out___