How to Punctuate a Pause

Readers have expectations; writers have responsibilities. How does an author communicate to the reader the way in which they intend the text to be read? Punctuation. How do you punctuate a pause in the text? Let’s explore.

We know the basics: a period ends a statement, stop here; an exclamation point shows excitement; a question mark ends a question, read with an uptick in your voice at the end; a comma is used for pauses. But when writing there are many different ways to show a pause: commas, colons, semicolons, hyphens, and em dashes. How do you know when to use each?

Comma , 

Commas act as separators. To your reader, this indicates a pause. Commas are also used to set off nonrestrictive, or nonessential, information. 

Ex. Her grandfather had been in the Marines, he was so proud to have served.

Ex. Grandpa and I met up for dinner at Applebees that night, it was a Tuesday in June. (An example of a nonrestrictive phrase because the day of the week and month are not essential to the meaning of the sentence). 

Colon :

“The colon…is usually the best choice for creating a sense of anticipation.” (Casagrande 2014, 62). Colons can introduce text that illustrates a sentence and also introduce a list or certain quotations. Colons are also used in direct address and in certain formatted and numbered items, like time of day. Some uses overlap with that of the period and semicolon, so it is up to the writer to determine how they want their readers to see the text.

Ex. I want to tell you something: I love you a whole big bunch.

     I want to tell you something. I love you a whole big bunch.

     I want to tell you something; I love you a whole big bunch. 

A colon is used following a complete, independent clause. It is used to introduce text that illustrates or underscores the text before the colon.

Ex. My grandfather had an important point: no matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible. 

The colon can also be used in place of a comma to introduce a quote when the writer wants to add extra emphasis. 

Ex. Papa got straight to his point: “You need to be remarried in the Catholic church,” he said sternly.

Semicolon ;

The semicolon has two jobs. First, it connects closely related independent clauses. Second, it separates items in lists that have more information than commas can help organize.

A semicolon can be used to connect two closely related independent clauses that are not joined by a conjunction (Think FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so). This  indicates to your reader that you want these two clauses to be more closely related to one another, rather than separated by a period. When you have two independent clauses not joined by a conjunction – use a semicolon.

Ex. He was a devout Catholic; he was at church every Sunday.

When a conjunctive adverb (however, therefore, indeed, accordingly, thus, hence, and besides) connects two closely related independent clauses, use a semicolon. 

Ellipsis …

Ellipses show interruptions or faltering speech. This punctuation can be used to indicate that a character’s speech is trailing off or that they are stuttering.

Ex. I didn’t know what to say. What do you choose to say as your final words to someone? “I love you Papa…a whole big bunch.” 

Hyphen – 

Hyphens follow complex rules which vary by writing style, but also leave room for personal preferences and judgment calls. Always check the dictionary! Hyphens are not good choices when you are looking for punctuation to indicate a pause. 

Em Dash  —

An em dash is twice as long as a hyphen. It is most often used to indicate breaks in a sentence and in some writing styles a change of speakers in dialogue. 

Ex. “We were fishing in Catch-A-Fish Cove and Megan–” “Dinners ready,” Grandma yelled. (Use instead of ellipses for speech interrupted by someone other than the speaker.)

Ex. “When you decide to do the right thing–and I know you will–let me know so we can come”, Papa was trying to reiterate his point that we must get remarried in the church. (Use to set off parenthetical insertions.) 

There is some overlap between the usage of em dashes, parentheses, and commas in setting off information. As the writer, you must decide what you feel best portrays the information you are giving your readers. Commas indicate that the information should be well integrated in the sentence, while parentheses interrupt the flow of the sentence, and the em dash seems to be in between those two extremes. 

Ex. George–6 feet 8 inches tall–was visible from across the room. 

      George, 6 feet 8 inches tall, was visible from across the room.

      George (6 feet 8 inches tall) was visible from across the room. 

En Dash –

An en dash is shorter than the em dash, but longer than a hyphen. The en dash only applies to book style. It is not used in news, science, or academic styles. This punctuation is only used to mean to, through, or until.

Ex. The 2014–2022 season was important for George.

Ex. The Seahawks won 18–7.

Ex. The Charlotte–Saint Louis flight is departing.

In conclusion

When writing, one key to punctuation is consistency. Consistently use your punctuation marks throughout your writing to mean the same thing. Your editor can help to ensure you are abiding by the punctuation rules and make sure that your readers will best understand your text. 

References:

The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th edition Casagrande, June.

The best punctuation book, period.: A comprehensive guide for every writer, editor, student, and Businessperson. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press, 2014.