The longer EM dash is used as a break or to separate additional information in a sentence. The EN dash, the shorter of the two dashes, is used to mark ranges. But you can use em dashes to mark any interruption in a sentence. As the name suggests, the EN dash is approximately the length of the letter ‘n’, whereas the size of the EM dash is the same as the width of the letter’ m’. In this instance, the em dashed phrase is an elaborating point. Even though this elaboration contains information of value-perhaps even information necessary for the reader to grasp the writer’s message-the sentence is still sound without the em dashed phrase there. As its name suggests, an em dash () is roughly the length of the letter M, while an en dash () more closely matches an N. Note how in the above example, the point between the em dashes elaborate on the subject mentioned: dark, leafy greens. Allow me to illustrate:ĭark, leafy greens-such as spinach, kale, and chard-are an important part of a healthy The function of a hyphen is to combine words or groups of words. Use em dashes when a sentence contains an elaborating point, but would still make sense linguistically had that point be gone. An em dash is approximately as long as the width of a typed letter 'M,' and an en dash is about as long as the letter 'N.' The em and en dash are not the same as a minus sign or hyphen (-), which is shorter than both dashes. The primary use of em dashes are to mark a break in a sentence. Whereas en dashes often unite/combine elements in a sentence, em dashes deal more with the sentence’s structure. The main purpose of an en dash is to denote a range.Įn dashes can also replace the conjunctions of to or and in certain instances. By default, screen readers won’t generally read out dashes. Dashes can affect readability unless a user changes default settings (punctuation verbosity settings). In fact, it helps to think of the en dash, which is half the length of. Much like a hyphen, the en dash combines two units. En dashes show a span or range when used with numerals, such as a range of values or a financial year. Despite its name, the en dash has more in common with the hyphen than with the em dash. In general it is the same length as an em-dash, and so this is often used instead. The Unicode standard introduced a separate character U+2015 HORIZONTAL BAR to be used as a quotation dash. One use case for em dashes is as a substitute for commas. In fact, it might the most versatile punctuation mark there is. A hyphen is a teensy weensy little dash thats typically used to join words. Not to be confused with the tiniest hyphens (-), en dashes can be typed on a mac using option + -. According to the Wikipedia article 'Quotation mark' (section 'Quotation dash'). Em dashes get their name from typography: Possessing the same width as the letter m, em dashes are a versatile punctuation mark with a variety of uses. Two of my favorite punctuation marks are the en dash and the em dash.Įn dashes (–) are the shorter of the two. Being able to have control of the reader, through strategic use of punctuation, makes me giddy. Using an en dash for this phrase may better clarify the intent for readers over using a hyphen.Punctuation always tickles me. However, consider the open compound expression apple orchard scented candle. Some writers and publishers prefer using an en dash for these situations, but a hyphen would work as well. New York and Charles Dickens are called open compounds in these cases because we would not normally hyphenate them. We expect 300–325 people at the reception.Įn dashes also can be used to punctuate open compound adjectives like New York based artist or Charles Dickens inspired writer. The student council will meet Thursday, 3:15–3:45 p.m.ĭuring the years 1999–2016, Joshua lived in Fargo, North Dakota. Like hyphens, they can be used for number ranges (see Rule 6 of Hyphens Between Words). Em-dashes are used to break up the extra information in sentences, while en-dashes are used to indicate a range of items, usually numbers. Em dashes differ from other hyphens and dashes not only in usage, which we will discuss shortly, but also in appearance. Some writers and publishers prefer spaces around dashes.Įxample: Joe - and his trusty mutt - was always welcome.Įn dashes are shorter than em dashes and longer than hyphens.
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