En Dash vs Em Dash En Dash An

En Dash vs. Em Dash

En Dash An en dash, just one dash when typed, is used for periods of time when you might otherwise use to n You never put a space before or after the dash n Examples: The years 2001– 2003 n n January–June

En Dash n An en dash is also used in place of a hyphen when combining open compounds. Examples: North Carolina–Virginia border n a high school–college conference n

Em Dash n An em dash is the width of two dashes when typed. n Do not use a space before or after the dash n Use an em dash sparingly in formal writing.

Em Dash n In informal writing, em dashes may replace: commas, n semicolons, n parentheses n n to indicate added emphasis, an interruption, or an abrupt change of thought.

Em Dash n Examples: n n You are the friend—the only friend—who offered to help me. I pay the bills—she has all the fun. A semicolon would be used here in formal writing. I need three items at the store—dog food, vegetarian chili, and cheddar cheese. Remember, a colon would be used here in formal writing.

Em Dash n Examples: n n My agreement with Fiona is clear—she teaches me French and I teach her German. Again, a colon would work here in formal writing. Please call my agent—Jessica Cohen—about hiring me. Parentheses or commas would work just fine here instead of the dashes.

What is a Hyphen? n A hyphen is used to join words and to separate syllables of a single word. n Three-hundred-year-old

Any… n. Questions?