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Dashes as another form of internal punctuation convey a particular meaning or emphasize and clarify a certain section of material within a sentence. Compared with parentheses, dashes may convey a less formal or more emphatic “aside.”There are 4 types of dashes that differ in length: the em dash, the most common; the en dash; the 2-em dash; and the 3-em dash. When preparing a manuscript, if symbols for various dashes are not available in the word-processing program, use 2 hyphens to indicate an em dash (--) and 1 for an en dash (-).Em dashes are used to indicate a marked ...Less

The literal translation of a non English-language word or phrase is usually enclosed in quotation marks if it follows the word or phrase, whereas the simple definition of the word or phrase is not. (See also , Non-English Words, Phrases, and Accent Marks, Accent Marks [Diacritics].)Hysterical patients may exhibit an attitude termed la belle indifférence (“beautiful indifference” or total unconcern) toward their condition. ...Less

With conversational dialogue, enclose the opening word and the final word in quotation marks.“Please don't schedule the surgery for a Tuesday.” “OK, if that’s inconvenient for you, I won't.” ...

Ellipses are 3 spaced dots (… ) generally used to indicate omission of 1 or more words, lines, paragraphs, or data from quoted material (this omission being the ellipsis). Excerpts from the following paragraph will be used to demonstrate the use of ellipses. In Fruit Displayed on a Stand (cover), exhibited in 1882, Caillebotte depicts a traditional subject in a manner far removed from the traditional cornucopian flow of fruit. Instead, he shows a stark, rectangular grid lit by centers of rounded forms, brilliantly colored. Vivid oranges, reds, and purples, light greens, creamy violets, and color-flecked gold are cupped within areas ...Less

In tables, ellipses may be used, for example, to indicate that no data were available or that a specific category of data is not applicable. (See also , Visual Presentation of Data, Tables, Table Components.) An explanatory footnote should always be included if it is not absolutely clear from the context what the ellipses represent.aEllipses indicate no test performed. ...Less

Exclamation points indicate emotion, an outcry, or a forceful comment. Try to avoid their use except in direct quotations and in rare and special circumstances. They are not appropriate in scientific manuscripts and are more common in less formal articles, such as book reviews, editorials, and informal essays, where added emphasis may be appropriate. If they are used, limit their use to one.Beware! Although it may be referred to as the gold standard, nothing is perfect! I had almost given up hope of his recovery. He was terribly sick!When it completes the emphasized material, the exclamation point goes inside the ...Less

The forward slash is used to represent per, and, or or and to divide material (eg, numerator and denominator in fractions; month, day, and year in dates [only in tables and figures]; lines of poetry). It may also be used in URLs (see , Manuscript Preparation).When 2 terms are of equal weight in an expression and and is implied between them to express this equivalence, the forward slash can be retained.The diagnosis and initial treatment/diagnostic planning were recorded. If the approval process raises concerns among the researchers or the ethics committee/IRB members, the author may want to explain the resolution ...Less

The sentence within which an ellipsis occurs should be a grammatically complete expression. However, ellipses and no period may be used at the end of a sentence fragment to indicate that it is purposely grammatically incomplete.Complete the sentence “When I retire, I plan to …” in 20 words or less. ...Less

The hyphen is a connector; it may join “what is similar and also what is disjunctive….it divides as well as marries.” The hyphen connects words, prefixes, and suffixes permanently or temporarily. Certain compound words always contain hyphens. Such hyphens are called orthographic. Examples are merry-go-round, free-for-all, and mother-in-law. For temporary connections, hyphens help prevent ambiguity, clarify meaning, and indicate word breaks at the end of a line.In general, when not otherwise specified, hyphens should be used only as an aid to the reader’s understanding, primarily to avoid ambiguity. For capitalization of hyphenated compounds in titles, subtitles, subheads, and table heads, ...Less

Hyphens and dashes are internal punctuation marks used for linkage and clarity of expression.The hyphen is a connector; it may join “what is similar and also what is disjunctive….it divides as well as marries.” The hyphen connects words, prefixes, and suffixes permanently or temporarily. Certain compound words always contain hyphens. Such hyphens are called orthographic. Examples are merry-go-round, free-for-all, and mother-in-law. For temporary connections, hyphens help prevent ambiguity, clarify meaning, and indicate word breaks at the end of a line.In general, when not otherwise specified, hyphens should be used only as an aid to the reader’s understanding, primarily to avoid ...Less