The following exercises help you improve your knowledge of and power over English grammar, mechanics, and usage. Turn to the Handbook of Grammar, Mechanics, and Usage at the end of this book and review all of Sections 2.7 (Dashes) and 2.8

(Hyphens). Then identify the preferred choice in the following groups of sentences.

i.

a. Three qualities—speed, accuracy, and reliability are desirable in any applicant.

b. Three qualities—speed, accuracy, and reliability—are desirable in any applicant.

ii.

a. A highly placed source explained the top-secret negotiations.

b. A highly-placed source explained the top-secret negotiations.

c. A highly placed source explained the top secret negotiations.

iii.

a. The file on Mary Gaily—yes—we finally found it reveals a history of tardiness.

b. The file on Mary Gaily, yes—we finally found it—

reveals a history of tardiness.

c. The file on Mary Gaily—yes, we finally found it—

reveals a history of tardiness.

iv.

a. They’re selling a well designed machine.

b. They’re selling a well-designed machine.

v.

a. Argentina, Brazil, Mexico—these are the countries we hope to concentrate on.

b. Argentina, Brazil, Mexico—these are the countries—

we hope to concentrate on.

vi.

a. Only two sites maybe three—offer the things we need.

b. Only two sites—maybe three—offer the things we need.

vi.

a. How many owner operators are in the industry?

b. How many owner—operators are in the industry?

c. How many owner-operators are in the industry?

vii.

a. Your ever-faithful assistant deserves—without a doubt—a substantial raise.

b. Your ever faithful assistant deserves—without a doubt—a substantial raise.

viii.

a. The charts are well placed—on each page—unlike the running heads and footers.

b. The charts are well-placed on each page—unlike the running heads and footers.

c. The charts are well placed on each page—unlike the running heads and footers.

ix.

a. Your devil-may-care attitude affects everyone in the decision-making process.

b. Your devil may care attitude affects everyone in the decision-making process.

c. Your devil-may-care attitude affects everyone in the decision making process.