En Dash vs Em Dash En Dash An
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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?