Em dash. Copy and paste an em dash from another source (e.

Em dash The Chicago Manual of Style Online is the venerable, time-tested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. The various types include the en dash, em dash, 2-em dash, and 3-em dash. Rule #1. Whether or not you use spaces around your em dashes (word—word or word — word) is a matter of style. ” An em dash is a great choice if the information is supplemental, but you’re trying to hammer home certain details: “Cameron had a laundry list of chores — three pages were given to him by his mother — but also little time to do them. ". Nov 16, 2022 · What Is an Em Dash? The em dash can be used in place of commas, colons, semicolons, and parentheses to increase sentence variety and readability. Each has a different function. 👍🏼Usage Note The class runs Feb 14, 2025 · Grammar nerds, assemble—over punctuation. Like commas and parentheses, em dashes set off extra information, such as examples, explanatory or descriptive phrases, or supplemental facts. While hyphens, em dashes, and en dashes look similar, they have distinct uses in British English. ” Dashes are great tools that can bring added style and emphasis to your writing, but only if you know how to use them correctly. May 10, 2016 · This is the post excerpt. Despite its usefulness, the em dash is often used incorrectly. The en dash is shorter, named after the width of the letter "n," and the em dash is longer, named after the width of the letter "m. (This image was made with PowerPoint and Photoshop; the relative sizes of the dashes look right, however, the en dash and em dash don’t exactly match the width of the upper-case N and M – and they rarely do! Sep 30, 2010 · by Timothy McAdoo APA Style recommends specific uses for hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes. Apr 20, 2019 · To type an em dash in Microsoft Word, press the Option + Shift + hyphen keys (on Mac OS). A writer's use of dashes (hyphens, em dashes, and en dashes) is one of the typographical elements that "jump out" at editors. This is Feb 14, 2025 · Grammar nerds, assemble—over punctuation. It’s called an em dash because it’s as wide as the letter “M. An em dash (—) is a punctuation mark that we can use in a variety of different situations. “It was part of mimicking formal or stylized writing. The em dash (—), also called the em rule, derives its name from being the same width as the capital letter M. The use of an en dash with spaces around it in place of an em dash is gradually becoming more common, but it's still not very widespread in the US in professional publishing; so far (as of early 2016), it's mostly used in Canada and a few other places. Words such as these, this, that, or all often begin a summary sentence when preceded by a dash. They indicate pauses, emphasis, separation, and even the tone in a specific text. Type 0151 on the numeric keypad. The most common versions are the en dash –, generally longer than the hyphen but shorter than the minus sign; the em dash —, longer than either the en dash or the minus sign; and the horizontal bar ―, whose length varies What is an Em Dash? The em dash (—) can function like a comma, a colon, or parenthesis. In Place of a Colon or Semicolon. Jan 27, 2025 · The em-dash (—) is getting a lot bad press these days. An em dash can also be used in place of a colon or semicolon if you want to stress the conclusion of a sentence or signal a change of topic: Oct 11, 2019 · Em Dash: What Is It, When to Use It, and Why? Few punctuation marks have the spunky personality of an em dash. Use Microsoft Word’s auto-formatting feature by typing two hyphens (--) followed by a space or text. Oct 30, 2024 · Learn what an em dash (—) is and how to use it in different situations. The dash is a punctuation mark consisting of a long horizontal line. 👍🏼Usage Note The class runs Sep 15, 2016 · When people think of punctuation marks, it is usually the handy comma, the imperious colon, or the overly excited exclamation mark that comes to mind. The em dash (—) is a versatile punctuation mark that can enhance clarity, add emphasis, and improve the flow of your academic writing. em dash? An en dash (–) is slightly longer than a hyphen (-) but shorter than an em dash (—). Apr 18, 2019 · Em dashes are more emphatic and dramatic than other punctuation marks such as commas and colons, and are seen more often in informal and creative writing than in formal texts. Whichever style you choose, use it consistently throughout your document. We have more on hyphenation and special hyphens below. After X user LindyMan (@PaulSkallas) claimed the em dash is a telltale sign of AI, writers and editors across the internet fiercely showed up to defend Jun 2, 2025 · What is an en dash vs. Jan 10, 2025 · On Windows, you can use the following shortcut: Hold down the Alt key. Copy and paste an em dash from another source (e. Writers overuse it, and not coincidentally, so do AI language generators. Dec 1, 2020 · What is An Em Dash? Punctuation marks play a significant role in relaying information and conveying expressions. Depending on the context, the em dash can take the place of commas, parentheses, or colons⁠—in each case to slightly different effect. Use an em dash to bring focus to a list. We will limit our discussion to the most common uses of the en and em dashes as they will fulfill the bulk of the needs of most writers. Oct 30, 2024 · Understanding the use of em dashes (—) and en dashes (–) is crucial for mastering English punctuation. En dashes (–) are punctuation marks bigger than a hyphen (-) and smaller than an em dash (—). Em dashes have been derided as the “ChatGPT hyphen” — a punctuation mark overused by artificial intelligence. After X user LindyMan (@PaulSkallas) claimed the em dash is a telltale sign of AI, writers and editors across the internet fiercely showed up to defend Dashes can be a complex topic with many subtle uses. See full list on scribbr. Last week we discussed en dashes. Writers disagree. Write it. Aug 30, 2022 · The em dash (—) is a punctuation mark used to interrupt a sentence to add information or show emphasis. Use em dashes when you want to separate a phrase or clause from the rest of a sentence, such as to provide extra information in a parenthetical or signal an abrupt change at the end of a sentence. May 31, 2019 · The en dash is approximately the length of the letter N, and the em dash the length of the letter M. To make sure you can use it correctly, check out this guide on Proofed's Writing Tips blog. Em 破折号得名于“em”的宽度，它等于当前点的大小。这些有点神秘的术语起源于物理印刷，在那个领域，“em”基本上是单个字母在其当前大小下可以在字体内占据的最大高度。 如何在 Windows 上输入 Em Dash. May 5, 2025 · Dash it! Have chatbots fallen for em dash? Writers, scholars debate AI’s telltale signs The more it appears, the higher the chance of the passage being generated by ChatGPT but that’s just a thought among some podcasters and content creators on social media There are two types of dashes in APA style: en dashes and em dashes. Release the Alt key, and the em dash will appear. ” The em dash is a form of punctuation used in a sentence to create a strong break, change of thought, or emphasis. Aug 6, 2021 · Between long dashes, short dashes, and hyphens—and all of their various uses—it can be difficult to keep the rules straight and stick to correct grammar in your writing. Learn how to use em dashes in a sentence with these examples and best practices. Mar 19, 2024 · Common Em Dash Mistakes. In this reference, you will learn when to use dashes, the difference between em and en dashes, and see examples to clarify their usage. Microsoft 365에선 --로 삽입할수 있다. Apr 29, 2025 · Describes how to use em dashes, en dashes, hyphens, and minus signs the right way, in the right places. The en dash is about as wide as an uppercase N; the em dash is as wide as an M. , Google search or a document). Dashes, if used incorrectly, can actually confuse readers (not just bother detail–oriented editors). 在 Windows 10 和 11 上，有几种不同的方式来键入破折号。 Aug 20, 2024 · The hyphen and the dash are commonly confused and misunderstood punctuation marks. May 16, 2019 · Em Dash (—) or ( — ) There are several horizontal marks that may be used in the middle of a sentence—the em dash (long dash), the en dash, and the hyphen. The em dash in American English is a punctuation mark that helps to convey emphasis, introduction, interruption, or a swift change of thought. Not only does it have a cool, sleek name, it’s often referred to as the “super comma. May 30, 2020 · The em dash is an important punctuation mark with a few uses. A common mistake writers make is using a hyphen Mar 1, 2025 · Don't use an en dash (the shorter dash) or a hyphen in place of an em dash. Cite it. Today we focus on em dashes. First, when would you use an em dash? Dec 2, 2015 · En and Em Dashes and Hyphens One thing editors do is to fuss with punctuation, especially dashes. Find out the difference between em dash, en dash, and hyphen, and how to produce and space the em dash. 75 million copies sold! How to Use Hyphens (-), En Dashes (–), and Em Dashes (—) In this section, we will be discussing the hyphen, the en dash, and the em dash. The em dash is kind of like the superhero of punctuation. Unlike commas, colons, and semicolons, the em dash offers flexibility in writing, allowing for dramatic pauses and fluid connections between related thoughts. Learn how to use the em dash (—) to replace commas, parentheses, or colons in different contexts. In many cases, they can replace parentheses, colons, and commas: Everyone was happy about the company’s change to paid family leave — from the kids, to the parents, and the grandparents! Mar 10, 2018 · Let’s make that even more clear. Find out how to type an em dash, avoid common mistakes, and test your knowledge with a quiz. g. Use an em dash to indicate where a dramatic interrupting idea, summary statement, or abrupt change of thought occurs. Mar 14, 2022 · The 3 types of dashes—hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes—often get mixed up. Hyphens, En Dashes, and Em Dashes: Differences, Similarities, and Uses, Fall 2022. 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. Apr 11, 2025 · “Some early AI-generated content (especially before 2023) used em dashes more frequently than the average human writer,” the bot says. May 12, 2025 · That hyphen is the one to separate hyphenated words. And did you know that there are two kinds of dash? That’s right, there are en dashes and em dashes. Apr 9, 2025 · Some people think AI writing has a tell — the em dash. Feb 12, 2025 · ­­­Introduction[1] Punctuation plays a crucial role in clarity and readability. ” If you use it correctly, the em dash can be your friend, instead of just an annoying interruption. In this guide to the types of dashes, we cover each of them—em dashes, en dashes, and hyphens—and offer examples that you The shorter en dash (–) is indicating a range or the word "to", like in the "Monday–Friday schedule". Em dashes are typically seen as more attention-grabbing than commas, so they are especially useful to focus a reader’s attention on surprising or unexpected information. When a sentence begins with an independent clause and ends with a list, you can use a colon between the clause and the list. The em dash triggers readers’ brains to insert a slightly longer pause, which can aid in reading comprehension. Jun 2, 2025 · What is an en dash vs. An em-dash is a perfectly reasonable piece of punctuation, but if you’re going to use it, you might need a little more detail on when and how. The stodgy semicolon and sinuous question mark might get thrown into the mix, but rarely—if ever—will somebody mention a punctuation mark that, while omnipresent, often goes unnoticed. It derives its name from the width of the letter “N” in most typefaces, as it’s about the same length as the letter. The em dash (—) is a versatile punctuation mark in English. Most writers recognize the hyphen, but not everyone is familiar with the en dash or em dash. Aug 26, 2021 · An em dash is a long dash that’s about the width of the letter M. Upang matukoy ang wastong gamit, alamin muna natin, ano ba ang em-dash? Ang em-dash (—) ay isang uri ng bantas na naghuhudyat ng biglaang pagtigil ng daloy ng isang pangungusap. It is longer than both the en dash (–) and the hyphen (-) and we use em dashes in sentences in unique ways to the other two. The length of an em dash comes from width of a traditional typesetter’s capital letter M—that’s how the dash gets its name. 3 of 5 En Dashes The en dash is longer than a hyphen, but shorter than an em dash (–). Jan 16, 2024 · en dash vs. This guide explains… Mar 29, 2025 · 嘿，各位英语学习者！ 👋 你有没有在阅读或写作时，被各种看起来像“杠”的标点符号搞糊涂过？特别是那两个长得很像的兄弟：长破折号 (Em Dash —) 和 短破折号 (En Dash –)。 它们到底有什么区别？什么时候该用哪个？别担心，今天我们就根据著名的韦氏词典 (Merriam-Webster) 的指南，来彻底搞清楚 Find it. Common mistakes include overusing it, failing to format it properly, or confusing it with other dashes. The em dash (—) is a versatile punctuation mark that creates a strong break in a sentence, adding emphasis and enhancing readability. Find out the differences between em dash, en dash, and hyphen, and how to use them in various applications. An en dash (–), a little longer than a hyphen and equal to the width of the printed capital letter N, is most often used to indicate a range of something. Learn how to use each type in a sentence with these examples and best practices. While it’s commonly seen in novels and casual texts, the em dash also has a place in scholarly papers when used correctly. Oct 30, 2024 · Pin Em Dash (—) – Created by 7ESL. May 29, 2025 · 출판물에서는 em dash(—) [2]를 쓰며 TeX에서 하이픈을 -로, en dash를 --로, em dash를 ---로 쓰기 때문에 그 영향을 받아 인터넷상에서 따로 표기할 필요가 있을 경우 하이픈 여러 개를 쓰는 방식으로 대체 하기도 한다. When the list comes first, it’s better to use a dash to connect the list to the clause. Mar 8, 2022 · We can use an em dash, or multiple em dashes, in place of commas that set off additional information or asides. Technically there’s a difference between a dash (aka hyphen-minus), a hyphen and a minus sign, see the table below. The longer em dash (—) is used for breaking up a sentence, like in this sentence: "The garden was in full bloom — vibrant and colorful. Like a colon, an em dash introduces a clause that explains or expands upon something that precedes it. So here’s a tutorial on the Aug 23, 2023 · Em dash —, is a longer dash used for specific purposes in English writing. May 13, 2025 · What Is an Em Dash? Compound words are put together with hyphens, the shortest of the three available horizontal line punctuation marks. Aug 30, 2022 · Learn how to use an em dash (—) to interrupt a sentence, add emphasis, or replace a colon or semicolon. Jan 10, 2025 · Learn the common uses, keyboard shortcuts, and HTML codes for the em dash (—), a punctuation mark that is longer than a hyphen or an en dash. Dec 16, 2021 · If in doubt about using dashes, check your style guide and, above all, be consistent! 2. " Correct Use. It is similar in appearance to the hyphen but is longer and sometimes higher from the baseline. Dec 9, 2024 · What is an en dash?. It’s longer than both the en dash (–) and the hyphen (-). Em dashes can function like commas, colons, or parentheses, while en dashes are used between numbers, dates, or compound adjectives. Many writers confuse the em dash with the en dash, or even the hyphen (which is technically not a dash at all). The em dash is perhaps the most versatile punctuation mark. em dash. ¶ It is the indispensable reference for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers, informing the editorial canon with sound, definitive advice. Learn how to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-) in punctuation. Em dashes emphasize extra information in a sentence. ” The longer em dash (—) is used to separate extra information or mark a break in a sentence. The shorter en dash (–) is used to mark ranges and with the meaning “to” in phrases like “Dover–Calais crossing. Click here for rules and examples for using the em dash in the English language. The en dash gets its name because it’s the width of a capital N. ¶ Over 1. Find out when not to use an em dash and how to create one on different devices and word processors. com Mar 8, 2022 · An em dash is a punctuation mark that can replace commas, parentheses, colons, and semicolons. cau fyhp pwifx yvc ylfas imkzdn raps zhf fvhbsbd mbikb