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Hyphens & Dashes Quiz

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Hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes each have different jobs. Do you know which to use and when?

15 quick questionsNo sign-upFree to playTap an answer below to begin ↓

What is the primary use of a hyphen (-)?

About Hyphens & Dashes Quiz

Hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes each have different jobs. Do you know which to use and when? Hyphens & Dashes Quiz packs 15 multiple-choice questions aimed at mixed difficulty into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.

A few sample questions

  1. 1. What is the primary use of a hyphen (-)?

    Answer: To join compound words or modifiers

  2. 2. Which is correct? 'She is a well-___ woman.'

    Answer: It depends on position in the sentence

  3. 3. An em dash is used for ___.

    Answer: Setting off parenthetical information or creating emphasis

  4. 4. An en dash is typically used for ___.

    Answer: Indicating ranges (e.g., pages 10-20)

  5. 5. Which is correct?

    Answer: My sister-in-law is visiting.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hyphens & Dashes Quiz free to play?

Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Hyphens & Dashes Quiz — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.

How long does Hyphens & Dashes Quiz take?

Most players finish Hyphens & Dashes Quiz in about 7 minutes. You can pause between questions, replay it as often as you like, and there is no penalty for taking your time — answers are explained after you submit them.

What's a good follow-up after Hyphens & Dashes Quiz?

If you enjoyed this word games quiz, try the Daily Challenge — five rotating questions, refreshed every 24 hours, that count toward your streak. You can also use the Surprise Me button on the homepage to land on a different game type for variety.

Can I print Hyphens & Dashes Quiz?

Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.

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