Hyphens vs. Dashes (Clean Verbatim Transcription Guide)

 


Hyphens vs. Dashes (Clean Verbatim Transcription Guide)

Title: Hyphens vs. Dashes in Transcription: What Goes Where (Clean Verbatim Guide)
Perfect for TranscribeMe exam prep

Introduction

Hyphens and dashes confuse nearly every new transcriber — especially because transcription style guides use them differently than normal writing. Don’t worry, though. Once you learn the rules, it becomes automatic.

This quick guide will show you exactly when to use:

  • Single hyphens (-)

  • Double dashes (--)

TranscribeMe uses these in VERY specific ways, so getting them right is essential.

✔ 1. The Single Hyphen ( - )

Use a single hyphen ONLY for:

  • Hyphenated words

  • Compound modifiers

  • Word breaks

Examples:

  • long-term

  • well-known

  • twenty-five

  • self-esteem

Never use a single hyphen for interruptions or false starts.
That’s the #1 mistake new transcribers make.

✔ 2. The Double Dash ( -- )

TranscribeMe requires two hyphens together for:

  • Interruptions

  • Cut-off sentences

  • False starts

  • When a speaker stops abruptly and restarts

Examples:

Interruption:

I was going to ask-- actually never mind.

False start:

I-- I didn’t mean to do that.

Cut-off thought:

Well, if you had just-- okay, forget it.

The double dash is one of the MOST important punctuation rules in Clean Verbatim.

✔ 3. Do NOT use an em dash (—)

In normal writing, the long em dash (—) is common.

But in transcription:

❌ Never use an em dash.
✔ Always use two hyphens together (--).

This is a major exam fail point.

✔ 4. Quick Practice

Correct the following:

  1. I— I was just saying...

  2. He was working on a full time-project.

  3. I’m not sure if I— if I heard you right.

Answers:

  1. I-- I was just saying...

  2. He was working on a full-time project.

  3. I’m not sure if I-- if I heard you right.

Conclusion

Hyphens and double dashes are small marks, but they make a huge difference in exam scoring. Once you memorize these rules, your transcripts immediately look cleaner and more professional.

Comments

Post a Comment