My "Problem" Topic

I chose to study the appropriate use of commas, parenthesis, and dashes in regards to non-restrictive elements in sentences.  A non-restrictive element is information that interrupts the flow of a sentence but adds important information. 


Commas:

• The people of Haiti, who for decades have lived with grinding poverty and mind-numbing violence, are unfamiliar with the workings of a true democracy.

Parenthesis:

• Mr. Grundy's driving record (with one small exception) was exemplary.

Dashes:

• Mr. Grundy's driving record -- with one exception -- was exemplary.

The most common way to add non-restrictive elements is by using commas.  This would be the safest way to add the information correctly.  If you are using parenthesis, the information inside the parenthesis becomes less important than the other part of the sentence.  If you add dashes, this information becomes emphasized. 


I chose to study this topic because I like using dashes in my writing. I now realize I may have been using them incorrectly.  I feel like it is a fun way to break up information while using a different sentence structure.