Em dash vs en dash. Word will automatically convert this to an en dash.
Em dash vs en dash An em dash (—), the longest “dash,” is used as a substitute for a comma, colon, semi-colon, or parentheses and emphasizes information. For example: The India–Pakistan issue; The Smith–Jones case (7) A Dash to Credit a Quotation. Overusing Em Dashes. m. hyphen vs. An en dash should be read as “to” or “through” when it is being used to represent a span or range between numbers, dates, and times. 1) Indicating a Span or Range between Numbers, Dates, and Times. It’s easy to confuse the en dash with the hyphen and em dash, but they serve different purposes. Aug 2, 2023 · Em dash: Type two hyphens in a row (–), and Word will automatically convert them to an em dash. Sep 14, 2024 · Writers often mix up the em dash vs en dash, especially when trying to emphasize a point or denote a range. Word will automatically convert this to an en dash. En Dash vs. Em Dash vs. When to use em dash vs en dash? The em dash and en dash serve distinct purposes in punctuation. However, if you have a two-word adjective phrase that must be connected to a How to Properly Use an En Dash. Feb 13, 2024 · When to use en dash; Examples; Em dash and en dash. It’s stronger than a comma, but weaker than a period or semicolon. The clue is in their names! The dashes are named after the letters M and N. A dash (generally, an "en dash") can replace a hyphen in a compound adjective with two equal elements. Using a hyphen here is a common mistake, but style guides like Chicago recommend the en dash in these cases. , well-known, part-time, self-esteem. Jan 18, 2023 · Let’s consider the dashes in some more detail. An em dash is most often used to indicate a pause in a sentence. Learn how to use em dashes (—) and en dashes (–) in punctuation, with explanations and examples. Like em dashes, they have multiple uses. ” Overusing the em dash: Apr 20, 2019 · To type an em dash in Microsoft Word, press the Option + Shift + hyphen keys (on Mac OS). May 13, 2021 · Summary: En Dashes vs Em Dashes. Find out the differences between em dashes and hyphens (-), and when to use en dashes instead of hyphens or commas. Here are a few common mistakes: Using an em dash instead of an en dash for ranges: Incorrect: “The concert runs from 6:00—9:00 p. " An en dash can also help maintain clarity with Hyphens, En Dashes, and Em Dashes: Differences, Similarities, and Uses, Fall 2022. But too many in one piece can feel chaotic or overly informal. En dash: Type a single hyphen, followed by a space, and then another hyphen (- -). An en dash (–), the second-longest “dash,” is used to show how a range of things in writing are related to one another. 3 of 5 En Dashes The en dash is longer than a hyphen, but shorter than an em dash (–). The em dash (—) is primarily used to indicate interruptions, emphasize elements, set off appositives, replace colons or semicolons, and create a break in sentence flow. em dash. Jul 25, 2023 · 1. Never use a hyphen for a range of numbers or dates. It is mainly used between dates to mark a span of time. Jun 2, 2025 · En dash vs. Aug 26, 2021 · The en dash and em dash get their names from their approximate length: The en dash is shorter, about the width of the letter N, and the em dash is longer, about the width of the letter M. com Learn the difference and usage of three lengths of dashes: hyphen, en dash, and em dash. 1 day ago · “New York-based artist” uses an en dash because “New York” is a compound. An em dash is a long dash (—) that sets off a word or clause to add emphasis, indicate an interruption, or expand upon an idea. The en dash is shorter than the em dash but longer than the hyphen. Em dashes are used in place of standard punctuation such as the comma, parenthesis, colon, and semi-colon: The cat—which had always hated Emily—snuggled up to Jane. Find out the differences between these punctuation marks and when to substitute them for commas, parentheses, or colons. Here are a few final tips to apply what you’ve learned: Think function first: Use hyphens to connect words, en dashes for ranges or linked terms, and em dashes for emphasis or breaks in thought. " Jan 16, 2024 · When to use em dashes. Or simply type two hyphens one after the other, type the word that is supposed to appear after the em dash, and press Space—the hyphens magically turn into an em dash. A dash (always an "em dash") can be used to credit a quotation. A dash can be used to link words or numbers or to create a pause in a sentence, but each situation calls for a different type of punctuation. See examples of how to use them for connection, range, interruption, and emphasis. See full list on scribbr. Aug 6, 2021 · Learn how to use em dashes, en dashes, and hyphens correctly in your writing with examples and rules. Oct 30, 2024 · Learn when to use em dashes (—) and en dashes (–) in English writing, and how they differ from hyphens (-). . It adds emphasis and draws attention to the information enclosed by the dash. See examples of dashes for range, connection, emphasis, and more. en dash (–) It’s easy to confuse the em dash with the en dash, but a simple tip can help you tell them apart. Em dash (—) vs. Hyphen. Here’s a quick breakdown: Hyphen (-) is used to join words or parts of words together; e. The em dash (about as wide as an uppercase M), is a relatively artistic punctuation mark, compared to the more technical hyphen and en dash. An en dash (–) is a mid-sized dash that indicates ranges in numbers, dates, and times by replacing the word "to. Because they add drama and rhythm, em dashes are tempting. It’s worth noting that some word processors may have different methods for typing em dashes and en dashes Knowing the difference between hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes isn’t just about punctuation—it improves clarity and polish in your writing. For example: "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go. g. ” Correct: “The concert runs from 6:00–9:00 p. 3. So, now you know how to use en and em dashes, let’s recap the main differences (with a few more examples). ttnvowqfcptkwzcdqiwcebfvbdrqcxfarwrdefzczlxkthwcs