Examples

For each of the following examples, is the dash (or dashes) used correctly or does the sentence need revision?

1. Amy Vanderbilt's guide to etiquette—published in 1952—has suggestions about smoking that are generally not applicable today.

   Step 1. The material set off by dashes is a phrase.
   Step 2. The material can be set off by dashes.

2. Vanderbilt advises that a thoughtful man—whether a smoker or not—will carry a lighter to be prepared when a lady takes out a cigarette.

   Step 1. The material set off by dashes is a phrase.
   Step 2. The material can be set off by dashes.

3. Vanderbilt's rules about when to smoke also reflect the norms of an earlier time—she advises people not to smoke in buses, churches, or elevators.

   Step 1. The material set off by the dash is a main (independent) clause.
   Step 2. The material should not be set off by a dash.
   Step 3. Replace the dash with a period, semicolon, or colon.

4. Today, however, smoking is restricted to certain areas—or even prohibited entirely—in most establishments such as malls, restaurants, and public buildings.

   Step 1. The material set off by dashes is a phrase.
   Step 2. The material can be set off by dashes.

5. Vanderbilt's advice against smoking when visiting a newborn undoubtedly holds true today—although we still occasionally see parents smoking around their children.

   Step 1. The material set off by dashes is a subordinate clause.
   Step 2. The material can be set off by dashes.