The rules of when and where to use which kind of dash may seem complex and hard to understand, but they don't have to. Here's your guide to how to use em dashes, en dashes, and hyphens correctly.

Jan 16, 2024 · A dash is longer than a hyphen and is commonly used to indicate a range or a pause. The most common types of dashes are the en dash (–) and the em dash (—).

Dec 9, 2024 · A dash is a horizontal line within a text, longer than a hyphen, used to indicate a range or pause and separate groups of words. There are three types of dashes: en dash, em dash, and double hyphen.

Learn the subtle yet major differences between hyphens, em dashes, and en dashes. This guide includes examples of how to use all three.

An em dash (—), the longest “dash,” is used as a substitute for a comma, colon, semi-colon, or parentheses and emphasizes information. A hyphen (-) is the shortest “dash” and connects two words.

Hyphen (- or -, MOS:HYPHEN; known as the hyphen-minus in ASCII and Unicode) are used in many ways on Wikipedia. They are the only short, horizontal dash-like character available as a separate key on most keyboards.

Mar 28, 2024 · The main difference between a hyphen and a dash lies in their usage and appearance. A hyphen (-) is shorter and connects words or parts of words, like in “mother-in-law” or “well-being.” It’s used to avoid confusion or create compound terms. On the other hand, a dash (—), which is longer, works differently.

What is the difference between a hyphen and a dash? Put simply, hyphens are joiners (e.g., a six-foot table). Dashes are separators (e.g., I know - we all know.). Em dashes are used like colons, semicolons, or commas. En dashes are used in ranges.

Jan 27, 2025 · So here’s a tutorial on the three kinds of dashes — hyphens, em dashes, and en dashes — including how type them and how to render them in formal page layout, as in a book.

3 days ago · Confused between a hyphen and a dash? Learn the key differences, correct usage, and grammar rules to write clearly and professionally.