--!?

[Akuma]

Just checking, but having such things as exclamation points or question marks inside dashes appropriate. I believe it to be, but if the need to correct me is here, tell me what to do instead.

Example:
You think life’s been tough on you--you!--because you're alone in the world?

[maestrowork]

Get rid of that exclamation mark!

[veinglory]

I have no idea what is correct but I wouldn't have a problem with that sentence because the meaning is clear and removing the ! would change it.

[Anya Smith]

I was taught not to use both. I think the exclamation mark should go.

[veronie]

Yah, exclamation marks are used way too often! The only time I would use them is in fiction dialogue.

Anyway, the exclamation mark goes inside quotation marks when it is part of the quoted material: "I tell you, if you use exclamation marks too much I'm gonna pull my hair out!"

The exclamation mark goes outside quotations when it is not part of the quoted material: You really must read the book "Why Exclamation Marks are so Awful"!

[katiemac]

In this instance, I'd rather see the second "you" italicized rather than following it with an exclamation point.

But, I have no idea whether the point is grammatically right or wrong in the first place.

[trumancoyote]

It's fine. I've seen much stranger things between dashes in much more brilliant sentences than that :)

[veronie]

Sorry for me being so stoopid. I thought you were asking about quotation marks, not dashes. I failed to see your example. :)

[katiemac]

Hey, Akuma, this wouldn't happen to be for a fanfiction story, would it? ;) :D

*ducks and runs*

[Jamesaritchie]

I'd also get rid of the dashes.

[Akuma]

Alright, thanks for the clarification, guys.

And katiemac, don't be blasphemous. I think we had a whole thread addressing that. ;)

[three seven]

I'd also get rid of the dashes.That would leave you with You think life’s been tough on you you because you're alone in the world?

[Akuma]

Well, I'm not getting rid of the dashes, of course. But took katiemac's advice and made it in italics, instead. It looks far better that way, I think.