The doctor told me to quit smokinglong dash—immediately. vs The doctorlong dash—told me to quit smoking: immediately.

Both phrases are correct, but they have different punctuation styles. The first phrase uses a long dash (—) to indicate a sudden break or interruption in the sentence, while the second phrase uses a colon (:) to introduce a direct explanation or clarification. The choice between the two depends on the preferred punctuation style and the intended emphasis in the sentence.

Last updated: March 28, 2024 • 854 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a sudden break or interruption in the sentence.

"The doctor told me to quit smokinglong dash—immediately."

This phrase uses a long dash (—) to create emphasis and indicate an abrupt instruction or action. It is suitable for conveying a sense of urgency or immediacy in the context.

Examples:

She said, "I need you to finish the report—right now."
The teacher shouted, "Stop talking—listen to me!"
He whispered, "Don't move—there's something behind you."
The boss commanded, "Complete the task—immediately."
The coach instructed, "Run faster—don't slow down!"

Show examples from the web [+]

The doctor told me to quit smoking.
My doctor told me to quit smoking.
You told me to quit my job.
I went to see the doctor last month, he told me to quit smoking I'm getting old, can't bear with this any longer
You told me to quit, that I'd be able to find another job.
The doctors told me there were multiples.
The doctor told me not to push.
The doctor told me to rest.
The doctors told me to stay ahead of the pain.
The doctor told me to get another job.
The doctor told me... I'm still here because of you.
About 15 years ago the doctor told me my son had brain cancer.
The doctor told me your recovery is going very well.
It's OK, the doctor told me to exercise.
The doctor told me you had an interesting theory - about your mom's condition.
The doctor told me I can't go nowhere.
The doctor told me he would die in three weeks.
This is a pill the doctor told me to take.
The doctor told me you're okay.
The doctor told me what you said.

Alternatives:

the doctor told me to quit smoking immediately.
the doctor instructed me to quit smoking—right away.
the doctor advised me to quit smoking—without delay.
the doctor urged me to quit smoking—urgently.
the doctor warned me to quit smoking—promptly.

This phrase is correct and commonly used to introduce a direct explanation or clarification in the sentence.

"The doctorlong dash—told me to quit smoking: immediately."

This phrase uses a colon (:) to provide a clear and direct instruction following the introduction of the speaker. It is suitable for emphasizing the immediacy of the action required.

Examples:

The chef: "Prepare the ingredients: quickly and carefully."
The manager: "Submit the report: by the end of the day."
The officer: "Follow my instructions: without hesitation."
The parent: "Clean your room: right now."
The supervisor: "Complete the task: immediately."

Alternatives:

the doctor told me to quit smoking immediately.
the doctor instructed me to quit smoking: right away.
the doctor advised me to quit smoking: without delay.
the doctor urged me to quit smoking: urgently.
the doctor warned me to quit smoking: promptly.

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The doctor told me to quit smokinglong dash—immediately. vs The doctorlong dash—told me to quit​ smoking: immediately.