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I am unsure when to use comma and when to use dashes when writing parenthetical elements in as sentence. For instance:

  1. He answered - or at least he tried to answer - the question correctly.
  2. He answered, or at least he tried to answer, the question correctly.

How do I choose between these two constructions?

I am also wondering whether I can mix between commas and dashes in the same text? I should obviously use the same symbol around the same parenthetical element, but what if I introduced another parenthetical element on the next page in the same text? Could that be using commas if the first was using dashes?

Wasd9595
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    Choose between them any way you like, bearing in mind that you are under no obligation to be consistent in what you choose this time, or any time. – John Lawler Dec 14 '22 at 20:38
  • The em-dash adds drama—a big break. If it's too theatrical for that spot, you have the commas. I'd use dashes there. – Yosef Baskin Dec 14 '22 at 20:45

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