Have you ever noticed that there are varying lengths of dashes? The well-known short one (the hyphen -) and the two other, less well-known, versions (the en dash (–) and the em dash (—))? If you have, but aren’t sure when to use those longer ones, you’re not alone. We will cut through the confusion on this topic and highlight the differences with examples and simple tips.
Getting to Know the Dashes
It is a common misconception that these dashes are interchangeable. Likewise, many people can rely too much on the standard hyphen for everything. However, while often overlooked, correct dash usage is essential for clarity and professionalism.
The Hyphen (-)
The hyphen is the shortest of the three dashes. The hyphen is used to connect words or numbers, such as phone numbers (123-456-7890), compound descriptors (“part-time”), or newly coined terms (“blue-greyish”). It also joins elements, such as “well-known,” “cost-effective,” and creates more complex constructions, such as “award-winning-sounding.”
Yet, it is important to note that not all compound words need a hyphen. For example, some are always single words (“bookstore”), some are always separated (“high school”), and others depend on convention and context. Importantly, compound words often have exceptions, so double-check when unsure. The hyphen is the most commonly used and familiar of the dashes and helps writers provide context and clarity when used correctly.
The En Dash (–)
The en dash, slightly longer than the hyphen but shorter than the em dash, is often misunderstood. Its primary function is to represent a range of values, such as dates, numbers, or locations. Examples include “June–August” or “pages 22–40.” The en dash is typically a substitute for the word “through.”
Unlike the hyphen, the en dash is not a standard keyboard button. The use of the en dash may require the use of a word processor’s special character menu or a specific keyboard shortcut.
The Em Dash (—)
Interestingly, the original reason for the names ‘en dash’ and ‘em dash’ was because the first should be the length of an ‘n’ and the second the length of an ‘m.’
The em dash brings emphasis and clarity to a sentence when used appropriately. The em dash can serve in place of parentheses, providing a less formal and more visually engaging separation of thoughts. It may also stand in for a colon, introducing a conclusion, explanation, or extra detail at the end of a sentence. In situations where too many commas may clutter a sentence, the em dash offers a clean alternative, helping to maintain clarity and flow.
Consider the following examples:
- Harry sampled the bakery’s new pastry—and the results were less than favorable.
- Our board includes three officers—Sarah May, President; Frank Stewart, Treasurer; and Alexandra Gill, Secretary—and two directors at large.
- The budget meeting—scheduled for next Monday—is expected to be contentious.
The em dash is highly adaptable. It can neatly set off supplementary information, make a pause, help organize lists with internal commas, and inject nuance into written communication.
Things That Get Weird (Because of Dashes)
- If you’re using em dashes to surround a phrase—like this one—drop the commas. Let the dash do its thing.
- Have a question or exclamation inside those dashes? The punctuation stays inside, like this—can you believe it? —and not outside.
- Parentheses inside dashes and dashes inside parentheses introduce a level of complexity we don’t need to explore right now, but this does indeed occur.
One Last Thing
If this all still feels confusing, don’t worry. The differences between the three dashes are nuanced and not well known on the whole. However, if you want that professional touch, need to put together a formal report, a published article, or expect a red pen, it helps to know your dashes.
And if all else fails and you don’t have a professional editor at hand? Choose one type of dash and use it consistently.