IXL | Use dashes | 9th grade language arts

Insert one dash where needed.

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When the would-be customer slammed the door in his face, the salesman sputtered, "No, I you haven't even seen my product demonstration!"

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question

Insert one dash where needed.

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The surf instructor taught us how to predict where the waves would break and how to read the currents skills required to safely enjoy the powerful surf.

key idea

A dash often represents a pause in a sentence. The dash can show a clear break or set off extra content from the rest of the sentence, such as an aside, an explanation, or additional details.

According to legend, King Midas ultimately died of starvation—all because of his wish that everything he touched should turn to gold.

The dash shows a clear break.

Warren strives to control every aspect of his life, but life—surprise, surprise—doesn't always accommodate his wishes.

The dashes set off an aside from the rest of the sentence.

Certain quirks—repeatedly washing one's hands, checking that doors are locked, or counting things—may actually be symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The dashes set off additional details from the rest of the sentence.

In dialogue or quoted text, a dash can indicate an interruption or mid-sentence correction.

Lauren protested, "But—no, you're mistaken!"

The dash shows an interruption.

solution

Insert a dash before skills required to safely enjoy the powerful surf to set off the explanation from the rest of the sentence.

The surf instructor taught us how to predict where the waves would break and how to read the currents—skills required to safely enjoy the powerful surf.

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