When you’re writing by hand, a hyphen and a dash can look pretty similar, although the meanings differ. You might throw in a hyphen to link two well-known words or add a dash—for impact, of course.

"Here is a lesson in creative writing. First rule: Do not use semicolons. They are transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing. All they do is show you’ve been to college," said Kurt ...

Emily Saladino is a journalist, editor, and recipe developer in New York. Previously a culinary editor at Food Network and managing editor of Wine Enthusiast, she works as a contributing editor at ...