Em Dash vs. En Dash vs. Hyphen: When to Use Which Introduction: Understanding Dash Usage

Em Dash vs. En Dash vs. Hyphen: When to Use Which

Introduction: Understanding Dash Usage

In academic and professional writing, punctuation plays an important role in ensuring clarity. Dashes, including the em dash (—), en dash (–), and hyphen (-), are often confused but serve different purposes. Understanding when to use each dash is essential for clear and precise writing.

1. Hyphen (-)

The hyphen is the shortest of the three dashes and is used to:

• Join Words: Connect words to form compound adjectives or nouns, such as “well-known” or “mother-in-law.”

• Break Lines: Divide words at the end of a line.

2. En Dash (–)

The en dash is slightly longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash. It is used to:

• Indicate a Range: Represent a range of numbers, dates, or time, such as “pages 12–15” or “1995–2020.”

• Connection: Show a connection between two items, like “the London–Paris flight.”

3. Em Dash (—)

The em dash is the longest of the three and is used to:

• Create Emphasis: Add emphasis or an abrupt change in thought within a sentence, such as “The committee—despite their reservations—approved the project.”

• Substitute Commas or Parentheses: Em dashes can replace commas or parentheses to add clarity or drama.

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