When to use a 'hypen' in a sentence?

Question

Which of these sentences is punctuated correctly? (Points : 1)
Hernan and I went to the conference what a great event.
Hernan and I went to the conference—what a great event.
Hernan and I went to the conference - what a great event.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

I think you mean "a dash."

A hyphen is used only to combine words. (or to break them at the end of a line)

The dash is longer than the hyphen and has a space on either side:

Hernan and I went to the conference --- what a great event!

Opinions vary on the usage. I tend to think of it as casual.

Some people would say that none of your three sentences are correct.

In my opinion, this is not exactly a typical situation for a dash.

http://www.infoplease.com/cig/grammar-style/not-separated-at-birth-dash-hyphen-let-add-ellipsis-fun.html

I can't find a single article on the net which I think is clear.

I did find that some examples of dashes don't have spaces before and after.

Most sites claim that the dash comprises two adjacent hyphens, since the keyboard has no "dash key."

(Seems like manual typewriters used to have them.)

Your second example is undoubtedly the "correct answer."

(Some sites say to use the dash before a change in mood.)

Clive · Answer

Hi,

An additional comment.

Regardless of what comes before, I'd say what a great event!

It's an exclamation.

Clive

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