Often people working at a computer are faced with the need to print a long dash. How to put it, not everyone knows. Everything is much simpler with a hyphen: this sign is on the keyboard. But in fact, the dash is also set quite easily. There are several ways that will be discussed below.
A bit about AutoCorrect: dash code in html
It should be noted that the "Word" has a simple hyphen auto-replace on a dash of medium length. This is very convenient. But only that sign is replaced, on both sides of which are spaces. This point must be taken into account. AutoCorrect is performed when the user writes a word immediately after the printed hyphen and puts a space after it. Everything is extremely simple.
Below we will consider setting auto-replace characters on a dash of medium and long length. But first, some other ways should be mentioned, as well as the code for this character in html. In the latter case, a long dash can be printed by typing the following combination: & mdash ;.
Hexadecimal codes
For setting a dash, you can use hexadecimal codes with their further transformation into the desired character. It is quite easy to print the necessary character in Word in this way. To do this, write a dash code of medium (2013) or large (2014) length, after which, without moving the cursor from the entered numbers, you need to press two buttons simultaneously: "Alt" and "X". So you can print a dash on any part of the document.
Setting dashes using the Alt button and numeric keypad
There is another way, which is also based on the use of special code.
By the way, it can be used not only in Word, but also in any other text editor. In order to print a long dash, you need to press the "Alt" button, and then write the following combination of numbers: 0151. Enter the number data using the numeric keypad located on the right side. At the end of the operation, release the Alt button. In Word, it’s easy enough to put a long dash. Html is, of course, a little more complicated.
Another way
The next option is to use a combination of buttons, with which a dash of large and medium length is set. To write the latter, you must simultaneously press the keys "Ctrl" and "-" (this is a minus, which is located on the numeric keypad located on the right side).
Symbol Menu
You can also print a dash of the desired length by going to the menu called “Symbol” in the “Insert”. After clicking on this item, the area where the common signs are located opens.
In this window, click on the item called "Other Symbols". It is very easy to find. Then a window called “Symbols” will open, where you will see a list of various characters. You can select the necessary one and click on the “Insert” button. After that, the symbol will appear in the document. Here is the answer to the question of how to put a long dash in the Word. It should be noted that many are embarrassed by the long list in which they cannot immediately find what is needed.
In order not to waste time searching for a dash in the list of characters, you can open a tab called “Special characters”, in which it is located at the very beginning. The sought-after symbol immediately catches the eye. In addition, this tab shows the combination of buttons for inserting a dash.
AutoCorrect
And now you can consider the option with AutoCorrect. You must open a window called "Symbol", where the corresponding button is located. There you can easily configure the necessary auto-replace characters in the document. For example, finding a large dash in the list of characters and clicking on the button called "AutoCorrect", the user goes to settings. Three hyphens can be specified there. In the future, they will be replaced independently by a large dash. Very simple, right? You can also resort to this method for writing a middle dash, but its drawback is that it will be valid exclusively on your PC, and only on one keyboard layout (which was used when writing hyphens in the auto-replace window).
But the advantages of this method are also many. It must be understood that when writing three minuses from the right digital keyboard, auto-replacement will not occur.
It’s not enough to know how to make a long dash. We must also remember the rules of its formulation.
Dash separating subject and predicate
Usually the subject and predicate are separated by a dash if there is no auxiliary element in the components of the latter. It is very easy to remember. Sometimes the setting of this sign is associated exclusively with the form of the subject and the predicate. But often there are additional reasons why you need to print a dash. Consider the rules according to which it is necessary to put this symbol, and recall some exceptions.
A dash is printed if ...
The considered sign is placed in the case when the subject is a noun, while the nominal predicate is also expressed by him. In addition, it must have a zero connective.
Thus, the two main members are nouns. It is necessary to remember the following cases of writing this sign:
- If the sentence can be called a logical definition.
- If it is designed in a book style and includes an assessment, a description of something, a long dash is also set.
- In sentences containing two identified sentences expressed by both compounds.
- After several subordinates that are homogeneous.
- When structural parallelism of elements is observed.
- In order to make the meaning of the proposal more understandable.
- If both subject and predicate are infinitives. However, one main term can be a noun, and then a dash is also put.
- Before the following words: “means”, “this”, “this means”, “here”, “this is”.
- If both the subject and the predicate are expressed in numbers. But if one of them is a noun, then the dash still needs to be printed. We must not forget this rule.
Usually a long dash is set in the following cases:
- If the subject is an infinitive, and there is also a compound predicate with a nominal part represented by an adverb that has a state value. The bunch must be zero. Particular attention should be paid to this.
- If the subject is represented by the word “this” and after it there is a logical stop.
note
In all cases presented, a comma is sometimes preceded by a dash. It all depends on the context. Usually it is needed if there is a subordinate clause or a separate member in front of the line where the dash should be placed. In this situation, you need to print two characters that have nothing in common with each other. Namely: a comma, standing after one revolution, as well as a dash, located between the main members. This is a very important rule.
Quite often, people make mistakes: they miss a comma, which should precede a long dash.
When do not need to put a dash?
It should not be printed if the subject is expressed as a noun. In this case, there should be a nominal compound predicate with a zero connective. It also requires the presence of a nominal part represented by a noun. In this case, a number of certain conditions must be observed:
- The sentence is simple, refers to the colloquial style.
- Comparative alliances are located between the main members (for example, as if, for sure, it’s all the same as, as if, like, like).
- Before the predicate is the negation of "not."
- Also, a long dash should not be set if the main terms are separated by a particle or an introductory word.
- Before the predicate is a minor member associated with it.
- The sentence has an unusual word order, that is, the predicate comes first, and then the subject. Please note: in some cases, you should put a dash if you need to divide the sentence by intonation into two parts. It is also possible, if necessary, to highlight the subject or predicate.
- The subject is represented by a personal pronoun, while the predicate is nominal and compound. A bunch of it should be zero. There should also be a noun represented by a noun.
Now you know what to do if there is no long dash on the keyboard. In addition, you are aware of some rules for setting this sign.