On one of my first full manuscript editing jobs, the writer used em dashes in almost every paragraph. Graphically, I’ve always liked the em dash; the Option+Shift+hyphen keyboard shortcut has a favored place right next to Option+8 for bullets instead of asterisks. I admit that while I used the em dash instinctively, I didn’t really know its place in grammar. On that first editing job, though, I was pretty sure they lose their impact and appeal when they show up too frequently.
Let’s review—or introduce, if they’re new to you—the differences between em dashes, en dashes, and hyphens and the rules about when to use them.
Let’s start at the bottom, the hyphen, the shortest of the three and easily confused with an en dash. Hyphens are used to:
Create compound words, such as hand-to-hand. Much like a well-placed comma, hyphens can change the meaning in phrasal adjectives (compound modifiers). Consider the difference between a small shoe store and a small-shoe store.
Separate numbers that do not represent a range but rather a series, i.e., telephone numbers, social security numbers.
Separate letters in words that are being spelled out.
The next in length is the en dash, the length of a letter en—quickly typed with a Option+hyphen. The en dash is used to connect numbers as in a range, meaning up to and including. Do not combine words and the en dash but use from and to or between and and. When writing directions or game scores, the hyphen signified to. For example:
The years 2008–2012 were a difficult time for the economy.
We attended high school from 1980 to 1983 (not from 1980–1983).
The Bulls defeated the Bears, 8–3.
The en dash also connects compound adjectives. The hyphen is used for two words but the en dash is applied to link more than two. For example, Vincent Van Gogh–style painting or three-quarters-full pitcher. The editors of my handy 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style seem quite fond of the en dash, stating “Because this editorial nicety will almost certainly go unnoticed by the majority of readers, it should be used sparingly, when a more elegant solution is unavailable.” I.e., a pitcher that is three-quarters full.
Lastly we come to the em dash, running the length of a letter em. The em dash wins the popularity contest and is used to:
Set off an explanatory element. It can be used in place of parentheses, commas, or a colon.
Separate an introductory noun or a series of nouns.
Indicate a sudden interruption of thought or dialogue.
The em dash has an immediacy, its length giving it importance. Like CMOS, I’m fond of a well-placed em dash when it’s used with parsimony rather than exaggeration.
Do you use hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes? Will you, now that you know how?
Until next week, keep reading, writing, and use the right word,
Barbara