Informal Writing: Using Dashes

In this worksheet, students practise using dashes to join clauses in informal writing.

This content is premium and exclusive to EdPlace subscribers. Sign up now.

'Informal Writing: Using Dashes' worksheet

Key stage: KS 2

Curriculum topic: English

Curriculum subtopic: Punctuation: Commas, Hyphens, Parentheses & Dashes

Difficulty level:

Worksheet Overview

A dash can be used as an informal way of joining clauses without a conjunction.

These two clauses can be written as separate sentences:

I went to the cinema today. I didn't really like the film.

They can also be joined by a conjunction:

I went to the cinema today but I didn't really like the film.

If we want to link them together as one sentence without a conjunction we can either use a semi-colon or a dash:

I went to the cinema today; I didn't really like the film.

I went to the cinema today - I didn't really like the film.

Using a semi-colon is the preferred way in formal English. However, for informal writing, such as an email to a friend, a semi-colon can look too serious so a dash is more appropriate.

Note that two independent clauses (clauses that make sense on their own) should never be joined with a comma. This is a common mistake.

I went to the cinema today, I didn't really like the film. (wrong)

Want a bit more help with this before you begin? Why not watch this short video?

Preview activity

What is EdPlace?

We're your National Curriculum aligned online education content provider helping each child succeed in English, maths and science from year 1 to GCSE. With an EdPlace account you’ll be able to track and measure progress, helping each child achieve their best. We build confidence and attainment by personalising each child’s learning at a level that suits them.

Get started