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Hyphen vs En Dash vs Em Dash: Simple Guide with Examples
Have you ever read a sentence and wondered, “Did I use the right dash?
Sure, you are not the only one. Hyphens, en dashes and em dashes may appear to be very similar and that is where the confusion begins. The good thing is that you do not have to memorise a bunch of complicated grammar rules to get this right. We will just make it simple in this article. You will know what every dash is, when to use it and how to prevent most mistakes, especially when you are writing fiction.
We will make this easy, before we begin, a little hint for those dashes,
- Hyphen (-)
- En dash (–)
- Em dash (—)
These are confused with each other, yet they actually do very different things.
If you are confused about using an apostrophe (’) in your writing, check out How to Use an Apostrophe in Writing
What does it mean?
Hyphen (-)
Words are combined with a hyphen, stick words
Example: well-known author
En dash (–)
A range or a connection is indicated by an en dash, think of “from…to”
Example: pages 10–20
Em dash (—)
An em dash provides a break or additional attentiveness, think of dramatic break
Example: She was late—again.
Fun fact: ‘en’ and ‘em’ have their roots in typography they are approximately the same width as the letters ‘N’ and ‘M’.
Is it right or wrong?
Okay, all three are right—when you apply them in a proper manner.
- Hyphen to joins words
- En dash to indicates range.
- Em dash to emphasises or pauses.
Improper usage may lead to confusion and can modify your sentence and even confuse your reader, when you mix them up. The improper use of dash may make your writing messy in some instances.
When should you NOT use it?
- Do not replace an em dash with a hyphen. It is too weak a sound.
- Do not use an em dash to show the ranges. It gets confusing
- Do not use em dashes too much. Your writing begins to feel messy.
- Add no extra spaces before and after dashes. Just stay consistent.
Incorrect Examples
- She bought a high quality notebook.
- The event is from 5—7 PM.
- He was ready - more than ever.
Em dashes can be written like this,
- No spaces : word—word (US style))
- With spaces: word — word
Select a single style to follow and stay consistent
When SHOULD you use it?
Use a hyphen when,
- combining two words to give a high-quality writing.
- Writing compound adjectives, fast-moving car.
- Adding clarity with prefixes, re-enter, self-aware.
An en dash should be used when.
Showing ranges between numbers 2010–2020
Connecting related things or association of related things like India-Sri Lanka match.
Use an em dash when,
To add additional information in your sentence like He finally arrived—after two hours
To add a break or pause in you sentence, She opened the door—and froze
Correct Examples
- She bought a high-quality notebook.
- The score was 3–1.
- He was ready—more than ever.
- This is a long-term plan.
- The train runs between Delhi–Mumbai.
How to type each of dash.
Hyphen: just press - (Minus)
En dash:
- Windows: Alt + 0150
- Mac: Option + -
Em dash:
- Windows: Alt + 0151
- Mac: Shift + Option + -
In applications such as Word or Google Docs, typing double (- ) usually converts to an em dash.
Examples/Mini Tips
- She is a well-known author. Words are combined in the hyphen.
- The conference is between 2–4 PM. The en dash shows a range.
- I told you—don’t go there. The em dash is used to emphasise your sentence.
- The India–Pakistan match was a fierce one. The en dash is used to join associated things.
- small business owner vs small-business owner. Yes, the hyphen makes a difference—that is why it is there.
- She is a well known writer. Missing hyphen
- The years 2010—2020 were great. Wrong dash
- Interruptions should be used with em dashes. “Wait—don’t go!”
- Use them for thoughts, Maybe she knew—maybe she didn’t
- Too many dashes break the flow of your sentences, for example, She walked in—looked around—felt nervous—and left. instead, She walked in, looked around, felt nervous—and left.
Insert hyphens where necessary, like small-town girl
Control pacing with punctuation
- em dash for sudden stop.
- Comma for softer pause
Mini Tips
- When you are not sure, use a hyphen.
- Insert feeling by use of em dashes in stories.
- Keep your sentences simple—do not use too much punctuation.
- Read whatever you are writing aloud to ensure that it flows.
- It is better to be consistent than perfect.
Quick checklist
- Hyphen to joins words
- En dash to shows range
- Em dash to adds pause or drama
Don’t mix the dashes while you use and stay consistent and use dashes carefully.
Super simple memory trick to remember
- Hyphen for join
- En for range
- Em for emphasis.
Quick comparison
- Use Hyphen (-) to join joins words like well-known
- Use En dash (–) for range/connection like 10–20
- Use Em dash (—) for pause/emphasis like Wait—stop
Final thought
Learning the difference between these dashes don’t make it complicated. It becomes clear just as soon as you have the general idea.
Just remember,
- Hyphen joins
- En dash connects
- Em dash emphasises
You will soon begin to use them unconsciously, you will find your writing easier and clearer. The next time you write something check your dashes in a moment. You can immediately begin to see the difference.
Are you thinking about writing your very first book? Start with How to Start Writing a Book and learn How to Edit Your First Draft with confidence.
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