Em Dash (—) vs. En Dash (–): How to Use Each Correctly

What Is an Em Dash (—) vs. an En Dash (–)?

 While resembling one another, the em dash (—) and en dash (–) are used in very different ways.

The em dash is longer—roughly the width of the letter “M”—while the en dash is shorter, more like an “N.”

Because the em dash and en dash both can extend a sentence and link ideas together, many writers assume that the two dashes are interchangeable. That's a mistake. Each dash has standard, accepted uses in academic writing, business communication and publishing.

Knowing how the em dash differs from the en dash will help you write more clearly—and make your writing look more professional.

Why It Matters

 The difference between an em dash and an en dash may be subtle, but picking the right one will affect:

●  Readability — readers notice the rhythm and spacing

●  Professionalism — using the right dash shows you’re a skilled writer

●  Clarity — the wrong dash can alter a sentence’s meaning

●  Formatting — especially in academic papers, resumes and business documents

Mastering the em dash and en dash will help you write more precisely and communicate more effectively.

When to Use the Em Dash (—)

 The em dash is perhaps the most versatile punctuation mark in the English language. Here are the uses most often seen.

To indicate a strong interruption (to add emphasis or a dramatic pause)

 The em dash is often used to interrupt a sentence for a dramatic pause or sudden shift.

●  The results were clear—our strategy needed a complete overhaul.

●  I opened the door—and immediately regretted it.

To indicate additional, but not essential, information (to add emphasis)

 Em dashes can replace parentheses when you want the information to be emphasized over the idea that would have been enclosed by parentheses.

●  The conference speakers—especially Dr. Nguyen—were outstanding.

●  Our new plan—more ambitious than any before—will launch next month.

To replace a colon when you want to emphasize the conclusion, or the conclusion is unexpected

 You may find that the em dash is a better option than a colon when the conclusion should be emphasized over the rest of the sentence, or when it is unexpected.

●  She knew exactly what she wanted—freedom.

●  There’s only one solution—start again.

To indicate a sudden or abrupt cut off, or to indicate an unfinished thought

If your sentence is interrupted mid-thought, an em dash is appropriate.

●  If I could just explain—

●  “Wait, are you saying—”

To set off appositives that already contain commas

If you’re using an appositive that already contains commas, use em dashes instead of commas.

●  The three finalists—Lina, Marco, and Stefanie—waited nervously.

When to Use the En Dash (–)

The en dash is shorter, and has more specific uses.

To indicate a range (numbers, dates, time)

This is the most common use of the en dash.

●  Pages 12–18

●  2021–2025

●  Monday–Friday

To indicate movement from one place to another (movement between two places)

The en dash shows movement from one place to another.

●  The London–Paris flight was delayed.

●  The north–south highway is closed.

To connect two equal or closely related nouns

The en dash is commonly used to indicate a partnership or dual concept.

●  the teacher–student relationship

●  the Beethoven–Brahms tradition

To indicate conflict, contrast or scoring

The en dash is also used for scores or to suggest a conflict or contrast.

●  The vote ended in a 6–3 decision.

●  The Lakers–Celtics rivalry is iconic.

Em Dash (—) vs. En Dash (–) Examples

Examples of the em dash (—)

●  The answer—unlike what we expected—was surprisingly simple.

●  She finally said what everyone was thinking—“We need a new plan.”

●  The product—after months of redesign—was ready to launch.

Examples of the en dash (–)

●  The event runs from April 2–7.

●  The Seoul–Tokyo route is very popular.

●  The cost–benefit analysis was conclusive.

Em Dash (—) vs. En Dash (–)

How to Type the Em Dash and En Dash

Windows

●  em dash (---): Alt + 0151

●  en dash (- -): Alt + 0150

Mac

●  em dash (---): Shift + option + -

●  en dash (- -): option + -

Google docs

●  Type two hyphens -- and docs will auto-convert to an em dash

●  For an en dash: Insert → Special characters → search dash

Microsoft word

●  em dash: Automatically inserts when typing -- between words

●  en dash: Automatically inserts when typing - (space-hyphen-space)

html

●  em dash: —

●  en dash: –

mobile (ios / android)

●  long dash or short dash by holding hyphen - key

Common Errors and Writing Advice

1. Using a hyphen instead of a dash

Hyphens (-) are only used in compound words (self-esteem). Dashes indicate interruptions (em dash) or meaning ranges (en dash).

2. Adding spaces around dashes

American English convention: no spaces around em dashes

Correct:

She agreed—the plan made sense.

Incorrect:

She agreed — the plan made sense.

3. Overusing the em dash

The em dash is dramatic. Overusing it dilutes its power. Try to vary your punctuation.

4. Confusing range notation

 Use an en dash, not a hyphen:

●  2010–2020

but not

●  2010-2020

5. Using em dashes inconsistently

 If you use one em dash to set off a phrase, you usually need another. The only exception is at the end of a sentence.

Conclusion

 The em dash (---) and an en dash (- -) may look similar, but it's important to remember that they actually mean very different things.

Use the em dash for interruptions, emphasis, and dramatic writing structure. Use the en dash for a range of meanings, including connections of time, places, and numbers, as well as compound nouns.

Knowing how to use these two punctuation marks well will help you write better—with ease, confidence, and professionalism—on any topic, in any format, whether you're writing a research paper, an email, a blog post, or a new thriller novel.