Em Dash vs En Dash: Differences & Writing Tips

em dash vs en dash

Figuring out which dash to use can be one of the more confusing parts of writing, but it’s simpler than you might think. With a little guidance, you can learn to use the right dash with confidence.

Em dash: a long dash used to show a break in thought, add emphasis, or set off a parenthetical phrase.
En dash: a medium-length dash used for showing a range of values or connecting two equally important elements.
Hyphen: the shortest dash, used to join words to create a single compound word.

This guide will walk you through the key differences between the en dash, em dash, and hyphen, provide a variety of examples for each, and offer practical tips to help you use them correctly every time.

What Is an Em Dash?

An em dash—which gets its name because it is approximately the width of a capital letter M—is a versatile punctuation mark used in place of commas, parentheses, or colons. It is a powerful tool for adding emphasis and is often used to signal a sudden break in thought.

The em dash creates a stronger separation than a comma, but a less formal one than parentheses. In English, no spaces are placed around the em dash.

What Is an En Dash?

An en dash is a punctuation mark that is slightly longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash. Its name comes from the fact that it is approximately the width of a capital letter N.

The primary use of an en dash is to indicate a range of values, such as dates, times, or page numbers. It can also be used to show a connection between two things of equal value, such as in a compound adjective. A space is typically not used on either side of the en dash either.

What Is a Hyphen?

A hyphen is the shortest of the three marks and is used to join words or parts of words. It serves to connect two or more words to create a single compound word or to break a word at the end of a line.

Unlike the em dash and en dash, the hyphen is not a punctuation mark in the traditional sense; it is a connecting device. A hyphen is always used without spaces on either side.

When to Use an En Dash

An en dash is used primarily for showing a span or a relationship. Here are its main applications:

To indicate a range: Use an en dash to signify a range of numbers, such as dates (1990–1995), times (8:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.), or pages (pp. 25–30).
To connect compound modifiers: Use an en dash to connect two-word compound adjectives where one of the elements is a two-word phrase itself. For example, “pre–Civil War.”
To show a conflict or relationship: Use an en dash to link two equal elements, such as the New York–London flight or the Seattle–Portland highway.
To denote a score: An en dash is used to separate the numbers in a score, such as 21–14.

When to Use an Em Dash

The em dash has a more dramatic and stylistic function in writing. It is used to indicate a break in a sentence or to add emphasis.

To indicate an abrupt break in thought: Use an em dash to show a sudden interruption or change in a sentence.
To set off parenthetical information: Em dashes can be used instead of commas or parentheses to enclose a phrase within a sentence. They provide a stronger break than commas and are less formal than parentheses.
To add emphasis: Use an em dash to highlight a phrase or word at the end of a sentence for dramatic effect.
To introduce a list or explanation: Use an em dash to replace a colon, especially when the information that follows is a surprise or is meant to be more dramatic.

When to Use a Hyphen

A hyphen is a connecting device used to join words or parts of words. Here are its main applications:

To form compound adjectives: Use a hyphen when two or more words act as a single adjective before a noun, such as “a well-known author” or “a state-of-the-art facility.”
To connect prefixes: Use a hyphen with certain prefixes to avoid awkward spelling or confusion, such as “ex-boyfriend,” “all-inclusive,” or “anti-American.”
To write out numbers and fractions: Use a hyphen when spelling out compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine or when writing a fraction, such as “two-thirds” or “fifty-five.”
For line breaks: When a word must be broken at the end of a line of text, a hyphen is used to connect the first part of the word to the second part on the next line.
To avoid ambiguity: Use a hyphen to prevent misreading a word, such as re-sign (to sign again) versus resign (to quit).

En Dash Examples

The seminar will be held on January 10–12
We are studying the Chicago–Frankfurt flights
He was a World War II–era veteran
The final score of the game was 5–3
The team won the series with a 4–1 win–loss record
Please read chapters 7–9 before class
The meeting is from 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M
The author’s life spanned the years 1901–1975
The teacher–student ratio is low
The presidential election–year cycle is important
The first-quarter–second-quarter results are in
The Paris–Berlin train left the station on time
We are analyzing the results from the years 2010–2020
The North–South divide is a major political issue
It was a 2–2 tie at the end of the game
The movie runs for 90–110 minutes
He is known for his pro–free trade stance
The results of the race were a 1–2 finish for the home team
This is a post–Cold War era policy
The bus route is from Queens–Brooklyn

Em Dash Examples

I love watching movies—especially old horror films—but I don’t have much time
The detective finally found the key—the motive for the crime
She was so happy—no, ecstatic—to win the award
We all knew the answer to the problem—or so we thought
Her new book is a classic—it’s a masterpiece
My father’s car—a beat-up Ford sedan—broke down on the way home
I went to the store to buy milk, bread, and eggs—and came back with a new television
The new technology will change everything—it will revolutionize the industry
The cat jumped up on the table—I should have known it would happen
He told me the secret to happiness—he told me to stop worrying
She ran as fast as she could—but it was not enough
They decided to go to the park—the big one with the swings
I think it’s important to be kind—always
The old house was full of secrets—and ghosts
My favorite food is pasta—especially with a creamy sauce
I saw her at the cafe—or was it the bookstore
The project was a success—a resounding success
I packed everything I needed—my laptop, my phone, my charger
He gave a gift to her—the one she had been wanting for years
The company’s new policy—a total reversal of the old one—caused quite a stir

Tips For Using En Dash vs Em Dash Correctly

Focus on the function: A simple way to remember the difference is that hyphens join, en dashes show range or connection, and em dashes signal a break or add emphasis.
Check the length: The visual length of the dash is a good clue to its purpose. The hyphen is shortest (for joining words), the en dash is medium (for connecting a range), and the em dash is longest (for a dramatic pause).
Don’t use an em dash where a hyphen is needed: The em dash and hyphen are not interchangeable. Use a hyphen for compound words (“state-of-the-art”), but use an em dash for a break in a sentence.