*– so much so that

[Maybo]

Can I change the dash to a comma in the following sentence?

Most of us spent some portion of 2020 doomscrolling – so much so that the Oxford English Dictionary named it a word of the year, and even added it to the dictionary.

(Why does endlessly looking for bad news feel so strangely gratifying – and can we break the habit? by Jessica Klein)

 

[GoesStation]

No, but another punctuation mark is possible. Can you tell us which one?

 

[Maybo]

No, but another punctuation mark is possible. Can you tell us which one?

Colon?

 

[Maybo]

No, but another punctuation mark is possible. Can you tell us which one?

What would the meaning or sentence structure change if I use a comma?

 

[jutfrank]

I wouldn't use a comma there. Only a dash is right for me.

 

[Maybo]

I wouldn't use a comma there. Only a dash is right for me.

In what situation should I use a dash or a comma? Sometimes I see a comma is used.

For example:

The science of meteorology has come a long way in the past few decades, so much so that meteorologists saw this extreme winter weather coming many weeks in advance.

(Climate change and record cold: What's behind the arctic extremes in Texas by JEFF BERARDELLI)

 

[jutfrank]

In what situation should I use a dash or a comma? Sometimes I see a comma is used.

Are you asking generally? We can't answer such a general question.

More specifically, I'd teach you to use a dash (not a comma) before 'so much so that ...'. You will notice, however, that some people, including Piscean and Mr Berardelli, consider a comma to be fine instead of a dash.