Dash punctuation. Dashes are an essential part of English punctuation, yet they often cause confusion. Unlike more familiar marks (commas, periods, etc.), the dash family includes multiple lengths and uses: hyphen (-), en dash (–), and em dash (—). Each serves a distinct purpose, from connecting compound words to indicating ranges and adding emphasis. Below is a guide to help you navigate these dash marks confidently and correctly.
1. Hyphen (-)
What Is a Hyphen?
A hyphen is the shortest dash-like mark. In writing, it’s used to connect two or more words (or word parts) into a single term or to break words across lines.
When to Use a Hyphen
- Compound Words
- Hyphens help form compound adjectives or nouns, ensuring clarity.
- Examples:
- mother-in-law
- well-known author
- three-year-old child
- Word Breaks at the End of a Line
- In justified text, if a word doesn’t fit in the remaining space, you can split it at a syllable break with a hyphen. This practice is less common in digital writing but still occurs in print or formal documents.
- Example:
- “He is in-terested in pursuing a doctoral degree.”
- Prefixes and Suffixes
- Certain words require hyphens after prefixes for clarity or due to style conventions.
- Examples:
- re-enter (instead of “reenter”)
- ex-president
- anti-inflammatory
Tips
- Not all compound words use hyphens (e.g., notebook, airplane), and usage can vary by style guide (AP, Chicago, etc.).
- Check a reputable dictionary for specific compound words to see whether they are written open (no hyphen), hyphenated, or closed (no space or hyphen).
2. En Dash (–)
What Is an En Dash?
An en dash (–) is slightly longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash. Its width is roughly the same as the letter “N,” hence its name.
When to Use an En Dash
- Ranges (Numbers, Dates, Times)
- The en dash often signifies “up to and including.”
- Examples:
- The years 1999–2005 were especially productive.
- Office hours: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Chapters 4–6 cover punctuation details.
- Connecting Related Words or Concepts
- Some style guides prefer an en dash to connect words that describe a range or a relationship, especially if one of the elements is already hyphenated or composed of multiple words.
- Examples:
- New York–based company
- World War II–era documents
- Los Angeles–New York flight
Tips
- Typically, there are no spaces around an en dash when indicating number ranges (e.g., 1999–2005).
- In British English or certain style guides, you may see spaces around an en dash punctuation for certain uses (e.g., as a substitute for an em dash), but this varies by style preference.
3. Em Dash (—)
What Is an Em Dash?
An em dash (—) is the longest of the three marks. Its width roughly matches that of the letter “M.” In contemporary English, it serves multiple stylistic purposes—primarily to set off phrases, clauses, or interruptions.
When to Use an Em Dash
- Indicate a Break or Abrupt Change in Thought
- Em dashes can replace commas, parentheses, or colons to create a stronger break or to emphasize the text that follows or is set apart.
- Example:
- “He wasn’t sure if he should go—or if he even wanted to.”
- Set Off Parenthetical or Explanatory Information
- Em dashes can enclose extra information or afterthoughts.
- Example:
- “My sister—who just moved to London—absolutely loves the weather there.”
- Emphasis or Dramatic Pause
- Using an em dash can add flair or drama to a sentence, drawing the reader’s attention to a significant point.
- Example:
- “He had only one option—fight back.”
Spacing with Em Dashes
- American English (Most Style Guides): No spaces around em dashes: “I’m not sure—I’ve never tried that.”
- British English (Some Publications): Em dashes may be spaced on both sides: “I’m not sure — I’ve never tried that.”
Consult your style guide (such as The Chicago Manual of Style or AP Stylebook) to confirm the preferred usage.
4. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Confusing Hyphens and Dashes
- Incorrect: “He wrote a 300—page novel.” (em dash used instead of a hyphen)
- Correct: “He wrote a 300-page novel.” (hyphen for compound adjective)
- Misusing the En Dash
- Incorrect: “I lived in London – Paris for three years.” (simple hyphen used)
- Correct: “I lived in London–Paris for three years.” (en dash to indicate the connection or range)
- Overusing Em Dashes
- While em dash punctuation are flexible, using too many in one paragraph can be distracting. Balance is key; mix with commas, parentheses, or semicolons where appropriate.
- Spacing Issues
- Incorrect: “The game lasted from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.” (space around the dash is typically not recommended for ranges in American style)
- Correct: “The game lasted from 1:00–3:00 p.m.”
5. Summary of Dash Usage
| Mark | Symbol | Main Uses | Spaces Around? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyphen | – | – Compound words- Word breaks- Prefix/suffix | None |
| En Dash | – | – Number/date ranges- Connect complex terms | Typically none (in American usage) |
| Em Dash | — | – Abrupt change- Parenthetical remarks- Emphasis | American style: noneBritish style: optional |
6. Final Thoughts
Understanding how to use the hyphen, en dash, and em dash correctly brings clarity and professionalism to your writing. While style guides may differ on certain conventions (especially regarding spacing), the core purposes of each mark remain consistent:
- Hyphen for linking words or splitting words at line breaks.
- En dash for ranges or connections between words/numbers.
- Em dash for emphasis, interruption, or parenthetical thought.
When in doubt, consult a trusted style guide or dictionary. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be able to wield dashes skillfully, adding nuance and clarity to your sentences.