Dashes are punctuation marks that help organize ideas, show interruptions, indicate ranges, and add emphasis to sentences. Learning how to use dashes in English correctly can make your writing clearer and easier to read.
The two main types of dashes are the em dash (—) and the en dash (–). Although the hyphen (-) looks similar, it is a separate punctuation mark mainly used to join words or parts of words.
In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between an em dash, an en dash, and a hyphen, along with the most important rules and examples for using each one correctly.
Table of Contents
What Are Dashes?
A dash is a punctuation mark used to create a break in a sentence, emphasize information, show a connection, or indicate a range. Dashes are longer than hyphens and serve different purposes in English writing.
The two main types of dashes in English are:
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Em dash (—): Used to show a strong break, interruption, or emphasis within a sentence.
-
En dash (–): Used mainly to show ranges and connections between related words, numbers, dates, or places.
For example:
-
Em dash: She opened the letter—and immediately started crying.
-
En dash: The office is open Monday–Friday.
-
En dash: The New York–London flight takes several hours.
A hyphen (-) is not technically a dash. It is a shorter punctuation mark used primarily to join words or parts of words, as in well-known author and twenty-five.
Understanding the difference between an em dash, an en dash, and a hyphen will help you choose the correct punctuation mark for different situations.
Types of Dashes in English
There are two main types of dashes in English: the em dash (—) and the en dash (–). They look similar, but they have different functions.
A hyphen (-) is often confused with a dash because of its similar appearance. However, a hyphen is a separate punctuation mark used mainly to join words and parts of words.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Punctuation Mark | Symbol | Main Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Em dash | — | Creates a strong break or adds emphasis | The answer—surprisingly—was correct. |
| En dash | – | Shows ranges or connections | Pages 10–20 |
| Hyphen | – | Joins words or parts of words | well-known writer |
Em Dash (—)
The em dash is the longest of these three marks. It creates a noticeable break in a sentence and can be used to emphasize additional information, mark an interruption, or set off a phrase.
Example:
I wanted to call her—but I changed my mind.
En Dash (–)
The en dash is shorter than an em dash but longer than a hyphen. It is commonly used to indicate a range or a connection between two things.
Examples:
-
The years 2020–2025
-
Pages 25–40
-
The London–Paris route
Hyphen (-)
The hyphen is shorter than both the em dash and the en dash. Rather than creating a break in a sentence, it usually connects words or parts of words.
Examples:
-
well-known author
-
twenty-five students
-
mother-in-law
The easiest way to remember the difference is:
Em dash = break or emphasis
En dash = range or connection
Hyphen = joins words
Understanding the Em Dash (—)
An em dash (—) is a long punctuation mark used to create a strong break in a sentence. It can add emphasis, introduce additional information, show an interruption, or set off a phrase.
Compared with a comma or parentheses, an em dash usually creates a stronger and more noticeable break.
When to Use an Em Dash
Here are the most common uses of the em dash in English.
1. To Add Emphasis
An em dash can introduce information that you want the reader to notice.
Example:
She finally achieved her goal—becoming a published author.
The information after the em dash receives more emphasis than it would with a comma.
2. To Set Off Additional Information
A pair of em dashes can set off extra information within a sentence.
Example:
The winner of the contest—a little-known artist from Brooklyn—received a standing ovation.
The sentence would still make sense without the information between the dashes:
The winner of the contest received a standing ovation.
Em dashes make the additional information stand out more strongly than commas or parentheses would.
3. To Show a Sudden Break in Thought
An em dash can indicate an abrupt change or break in a sentence.
Example:
I was going to finish the report—but then the computer crashed.
The em dash creates a stronger break than a comma and draws attention to the unexpected change.
4. To Show an Interruption in Dialogue
In dialogue, an em dash can show that a speaker is suddenly interrupted or stops speaking.
Example:
“I thought you said you were going to—”
“I changed my mind,” she interrupted.
Here, the em dash shows that the first speaker did not finish the sentence.
5. To Replace Parentheses
Em dashes can sometimes replace parentheses when you want the enclosed information to receive more attention.
With parentheses:
The new manager (who joined the company last week) introduced several changes.
With em dashes:
The new manager—who joined the company last week—introduced several changes.
Parentheses tend to make information feel less important, while em dashes give it greater emphasis.
6. To Introduce an Explanation or Conclusion
An em dash can introduce an explanation, summary, or concluding idea.
Example:
She wanted only one thing—a chance to prove herself.
In this use, an em dash can function somewhat like a colon but often creates a more emphatic effect.
Should You Put Spaces Around an Em Dash?
Spacing around an em dash depends on the style guide you follow. Some styles use spaces around em dashes, while others write the em dash without spaces.
For example:
Without spaces:
She tried to explain—but nobody listened.
With spaces:
She tried to explain — but nobody listened.
Whichever style you use, be consistent throughout your writing.
Em Dash Examples
Here are a few more examples:
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My brother—the youngest in our family—is studying medicine.
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There was only one problem—the door was locked.
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I wanted to help—but I didn’t know how.
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“Please don’t tell him that I—”
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Three people—Ali, Sara, and John—volunteered for the project.
The key idea to remember is that an em dash creates a strong break or adds emphasis. If you simply need to show a range of numbers or dates, use an en dash instead.
Em Dash Examples and Practice Exercises
Now that you know the main rules for using an em dash, look at these examples and then test your understanding.
More Examples of Em Dashes
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The weather changed suddenly—from warm and sunny to cold and windy.
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My sister—who normally avoids public speaking—gave an excellent presentation.
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He had one goal—to finish the project before Friday.
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I tried to warn them—but they didn’t listen.
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“But I thought you said—”
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“Forget what I said,” she replied.
Notice how each em dash creates a strong break, adds emphasis, or shows an interruption.
Practice 1: Add the Em Dash
Rewrite each sentence using an em dash where appropriate.
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She had finally made her decision she was going to study abroad.
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My uncle who has lived in Canada for twenty years is visiting us next month.
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There was only one thing left to do apologize.
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I wanted to tell you but I wasn’t sure how.
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“I didn’t mean to say that I”
Practice 2: Choose the Best Punctuation
Decide whether an em dash, comma, or parentheses would work best in each sentence.
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The final contestant a student from our local school won the competition.
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I had planned to leave early but then the meeting started.
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Her brother who lives in another city visits twice a year.
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We needed just one more thing a map.
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“Wait! I thought you were going to”
Answers
Practice 1
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She had finally made her decision—she was going to study abroad.
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My uncle—who has lived in Canada for twenty years—is visiting us next month.
-
There was only one thing left to do—apologize.
-
I wanted to tell you—but I wasn’t sure how.
-
“I didn’t mean to say that I—”
For Practice 2, more than one punctuation mark may sometimes be grammatically possible. The best choice depends on how much emphasis or separation you want to create. An em dash generally produces a stronger break than a comma or parentheses.
Understanding the En Dash (–)
An en dash (–) is a punctuation mark that is shorter than an em dash (—) but longer than a hyphen (-). It is mainly used to show ranges, connections, and relationships between words, numbers, dates, or places.
Unlike the em dash, which creates a strong break in a sentence, the en dash usually connects related information.
When to Use an En Dash
Here are the most common uses of the en dash in English.
1. To Show a Range of Numbers
Use an en dash to indicate a range between two numbers.
Examples:
-
Read pages 20–35.
-
Children ages 8–12 can participate.
-
Chapters 4–7 cover punctuation.
-
The temperature remained between 20–25°C.
In these examples, the en dash can usually be understood as meaning “to” or “through.”
2. To Show a Range of Dates or Years
An en dash can connect dates, years, and other periods of time.
Examples:
-
The 2025–2026 academic year
-
The years 1990–2000
-
The conference runs September 10–13.
-
The office is open Monday–Friday.
The en dash shows the beginning and end of each range.
3. To Show a Range of Time
You can also use an en dash between two times.
Examples:
-
The meeting is scheduled for 2:00–4:00 p.m.
-
Office hours are 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
However, do not combine an en dash with from or between.
Incorrect: The office is open from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Correct: The office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Correct: The office is open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Similarly:
Incorrect: The program is for children between ages 8–12.
Correct: The program is for children ages 8–12.
Correct: The program is for children between the ages of 8 and 12.
4. To Show Connections or Relationships
An en dash can connect two words or names that have an equal relationship.
Examples:
-
the London–Paris train
-
the teacher–student relationship
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the India–Pakistan border
-
the Einstein–Rosen bridge
Here, the en dash expresses a connection or relationship between two separate elements.
5. In Certain Compound Modifiers
An en dash may be used in a compound modifier when one part of the expression already contains more than one word.
Examples:
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a New York–based company
-
a World War II–era aircraft
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a Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist
The en dash helps show how the multiword expression connects to the rest of the modifier.
En Dash Examples
Here are a few more examples:
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The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday.
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Please read pages 45–60 before class.
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The 2010–2020 period brought major changes.
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We took the Boston–New York train.
-
The company introduced a post–World War II design.
The easiest rule to remember is:
Use an en dash mainly for ranges and connections.
If you want to create a strong break or add emphasis within a sentence, use an em dash (—) instead.
En Dash Examples and Practice Exercises
Now that you understand the main uses of the en dash, practice using it in ranges and connections.
More Examples of En Dashes
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Please read pages 50–75 before Monday.
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The museum was renovated during 2022–2024.
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The office is open Monday–Friday.
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The flight takes approximately 7–9 hours.
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The Rome–Paris route is popular with travelers.
-
They discussed the teacher–student relationship.
-
She works for a New York–based company.
In many ranges, you can think of the en dash as meaning “to” or “through.”
Practice 1: Add the En Dash
Rewrite each expression using an en dash where appropriate.
-
pages 25 to 40
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Monday to Thursday
-
2015 to 2020
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chapters 3 to 8
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the London to Paris route
-
the teacher student relationship
Practice 2: Correct the Sentences
Each sentence below contains a punctuation or range error. Rewrite it correctly.
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The office is open from Monday–Friday.
-
The course runs between September–December.
-
Please read pages 15-30.
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The conference takes place June 10-14.
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She works for a New York-based company.
Answers
Practice 1
-
pages 25–40
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Monday–Thursday
-
2015–2020
-
chapters 3–8
-
the London–Paris route
-
the teacher–student relationship
Practice 2
-
The office is open Monday–Friday.
Or: The office is open from Monday to Friday. -
The course runs September–December.
Or: The course runs between September and December. -
Please read pages 15–30.
-
The conference takes place June 10–14.
-
She works for a New York–based company.
Quick Tip
Do not use an en dash together with from…to or between…and.
Incorrect: from 2010–2020
Correct: from 2010 to 2020
Correct: 2010–2020
Incorrect: between Monday–Friday
Correct: between Monday and Friday
Correct: Monday–Friday
Hyphen vs Dash: What Is the Difference?
A hyphen (-) and a dash (— or –) may look similar, but they are different punctuation marks with different purposes.
A hyphen is shorter than both an em dash and an en dash. It is mainly used to join words or parts of words, while dashes are generally used to create breaks, show ranges, or express connections.
When to Use a Hyphen
One of the most common uses of a hyphen is to join words that work together as a compound modifier before a noun.
Examples:
-
a well-known author
-
a five-minute break
-
a part-time job
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a two-year-old child
Hyphens are also used in certain compound words and numbers.
Examples:
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mother-in-law
-
twenty-one
-
fifty-five
-
editor-in-chief
Hyphenation can vary depending on the word and the style guide or dictionary you follow, so it is worth checking a reliable dictionary when you are unsure.
Hyphen vs En Dash
The hyphen (-) joins words or parts of words, while the en dash (–) commonly indicates a range or connection.
Hyphen:
-
a well-written essay
-
a ten-year-old car
En dash:
-
pages 10–25
-
Monday–Friday
-
the London–Paris route
Hyphen vs Em Dash
The em dash (—) creates a strong break or adds emphasis within a sentence. A hyphen does not perform this function.
Hyphen:
The company hired a well-known designer.
Em dash:
The company hired the designer everyone wanted—Maria Lopez.
Hyphen, En Dash, and Em Dash at a Glance
| Mark | Name | Common Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| – | Hyphen | Joins words or parts of words | well-known author |
| – | En dash | Shows a range or connection | 2015–2020 |
| — | Em dash | Creates a strong break or emphasis | I tried—but failed. |
A simple way to remember the difference is:
Hyphen (-) = joins words
En dash (–) = shows ranges or connections
Em dash (—) = creates breaks or emphasis
If you want to learn more about hyphenation rules, see our complete guide to hyphens in English.
Em Dash vs En Dash: What’s the Difference?
The em dash (—) and en dash (–) are the two main types of dashes in English. Although they look similar, they have different functions.
The main difference is simple:
-
An em dash creates a strong break, interruption, or emphasis in a sentence.
-
An en dash usually indicates a range or connection.
Em Dash vs En Dash Examples
| Use | Em Dash (—) | En Dash (–) |
|---|---|---|
| Strong break | I wanted to go—but it was too late. | — |
| Emphasis | She wanted one thing—a second chance. | — |
| Interruption | “But I thought you—” | — |
| Number range | — | pages 20–35 |
| Date range | — | 2020–2025 |
| Time range | — | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Connection | — | the London–Paris route |
When to Use an Em Dash
Use an em dash when you want to create a noticeable break within a sentence.
Example:
The answer—much to everyone’s surprise—was correct.
You can also use an em dash to introduce an emphasized explanation or conclusion.
Example:
He needed only one thing—more time.
When to Use an En Dash
Use an en dash when you want to show a range.
Examples:
-
pages 30–45
-
Monday–Friday
-
2018–2024
-
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
An en dash can also show a relationship or connection between two things.
Examples:
-
the teacher–student relationship
-
the New York–London flight
Easy Way to Remember the Difference
Ask yourself what the punctuation mark needs to do.
Does it create a strong break or add emphasis?
Use an em dash (—).
Does it show a range or connection?
Use an en dash (–).
Does it join words, as in well-known?
Use a hyphen (-).
For example:
Em dash: The trip was wonderful—until it started raining.
En dash: The trip lasted June 5–10.
Hyphen: It was a five-day trip.
Common Dash Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Em dashes, en dashes, and hyphens look similar, so it is easy to use the wrong punctuation mark. Here are some common mistakes and how to correct them.
1. Using a Hyphen Instead of an En Dash for a Range
A hyphen is often mistakenly used between numbers, dates, or page numbers.
Incorrect: pages 20-30
Correct: pages 20–30
Incorrect: 2015-2020
Correct: 2015–2020
Use an en dash (–), not a hyphen (-), to indicate a range.
2. Using a Hyphen Instead of an Em Dash
A hyphen should not be used to create a strong break in a sentence.
Incorrect: I wanted to help-but I didn’t know what to do.
Correct: I wanted to help—but I didn’t know what to do.
Use an em dash (—) when you want to create a strong break or add emphasis.
3. Using an En Dash Instead of an Em Dash
Because the two marks look similar, writers sometimes use an en dash where an em dash is needed.
Incorrect: She had one goal–to win the competition.
Correct: She had one goal—to win the competition.
The sentence requires an em dash because the second part explains and emphasizes the first.
4. Using an En Dash with “From…To”
Do not normally combine an en dash with the words from and to.
Incorrect: The museum is open from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Use either:
Correct: The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Or:
Correct: The museum is open 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The same principle applies to between…and.
Incorrect: between 2010–2020
Correct: between 2010 and 2020
Correct: 2010–2020
5. Overusing Em Dashes
Em dashes are useful for emphasis, but using too many can make a paragraph difficult to follow.
Overused:
The meeting—which started late—continued for two hours—and several employees—who had other appointments—had to leave early.
A clearer version might be:
Better:
The meeting, which started late, continued for two hours, and several employees had to leave early for other appointments.
Use em dashes when you genuinely want to create emphasis or a strong break rather than using them in every sentence.
6. Mixing Em Dash Spacing Styles
Depending on the style you follow, em dashes may appear with or without spaces. Avoid switching between the two styles within the same piece of writing.
Without spaces:
The answer—although unexpected—was correct.
With spaces:
The answer — although unexpected — was correct.
Choose the style appropriate for your publication or style guide and use it consistently.
7. Confusing a Hyphen with a Dash
Remember that a hyphen is not the same punctuation mark as a dash.
Compare:
Hyphen: a five-year-old child
En dash: 2015–2020
Em dash: She knew the answer—or at least she thought she did.
Keeping their main functions in mind makes them easier to distinguish:
Hyphen (-) = joins
En dash (–) = connects or shows a range
Em dash (—) = breaks or emphasizes
How to Type an Em Dash and En Dash
The em dash (—), en dash (–), and hyphen (-) are different characters. A standard keyboard has a key for the hyphen, but you may need a keyboard shortcut or special-character menu to type an em dash or en dash.
On Windows
Depending on your keyboard and application, you can use these numeric keypad shortcuts:
-
Em dash (—): Hold Alt and type 0151
-
En dash (–): Hold Alt and type 0150
These shortcuts typically require a numeric keypad.
On Mac
Use these keyboard shortcuts:
-
Em dash (—): Option + Shift + Hyphen
-
En dash (–): Option + Hyphen
In Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word may automatically convert certain combinations of hyphens into dashes as you type. You can also insert them manually through the Symbol or Special Characters options.
In Google Docs
In Google Docs, you can insert an em dash or en dash by opening:
Insert → Special characters
Then search for em dash or en dash and select the punctuation mark you need.
Copy and Paste the Symbols
If you cannot remember the keyboard shortcuts, you can copy the marks directly from here:
Em dash: —
En dash: –
Hyphen: –
Quick Reminder
Before choosing a symbol, think about its purpose:
-
Use an em dash (—) for a strong break, interruption, or emphasis.
-
Use an en dash (–) for ranges and connections.
-
Use a hyphen (-) to join words or parts of words.
Using the correct character helps make your punctuation clearer and more consistent.
Conclusion
Learning how to use dashes in English becomes much easier once you understand the purpose of each punctuation mark.
The em dash (—) creates a strong break, adds emphasis, or shows an interruption. The en dash (–) is mainly used for ranges and connections. The hyphen (-) is a separate punctuation mark used primarily to join words or parts of words.
Remember these three simple rules:
-
Em dash (—) = break or emphasis
-
En dash (–) = range or connection
-
Hyphen (-) = joins words
Choosing the correct mark can make your sentences clearer and help readers understand the relationship between your ideas.
If you’re still unsure which mark to use, think about its purpose: Are you creating a strong break, showing a range, or joining words? That simple question will usually point you to the correct punctuation mark.
FAQs About Dashes
What is a dash in English?
A dash is a punctuation mark used to create a break, add emphasis, show an interruption, indicate a range, or express a connection. The two main types of dashes in English are the em dash (—) and the en dash (–).
What are the two main types of dashes?
The two main types are the em dash (—) and the en dash (–). An em dash is mainly used for breaks and emphasis, while an en dash is commonly used for ranges and connections.
What is the difference between an em dash and an en dash?
An em dash (—) creates a strong break or adds emphasis within a sentence.
Example:
She had one goal—to finish the project.
An en dash (–) usually indicates a range or connection.
Example:
Read pages 20–35.
What is the difference between a dash and a hyphen?
A dash is generally used to create a break, show emphasis, indicate a range, or connect related information. A hyphen (-) is a shorter punctuation mark used mainly to join words or parts of words.
Dash: The years 2020–2025 brought many changes.
Hyphen: She is a well-known writer.
When should I use an em dash?
Use an em dash (—) when you want to create a strong break, emphasize information, show an interruption, or set off additional information.
Example:
The final decision—after hours of discussion—was unanimous.
When should I use an en dash?
Use an en dash (–) primarily to show ranges of numbers, dates, times, or pages. It can also indicate a connection or relationship.
Examples:
- pages 10–25
- 2020–2025
- Monday–Friday
- the London–Paris route
Can an em dash replace a comma?
Sometimes. An em dash can replace commas around additional information when you want to give that information more emphasis.
With commas:
My brother, who lives in Canada, is visiting next week.
With em dashes:
My brother—who lives in Canada—is visiting next week.
The em dashes create a stronger break.
Can an em dash replace parentheses?
Yes. A pair of em dashes can sometimes replace parentheses, but the effect is different. Parentheses tend to make information less prominent, while em dashes draw more attention to it.
Parentheses:
The new employee (who started yesterday) attended the meeting.
Em dashes:
The new employee—who started yesterday—attended the meeting.
Can an em dash replace a colon?
In some sentences, yes. An em dash can introduce an explanation, result, or emphasized final element.
Colon:
She wanted one thing: a second chance.
Em dash:
She wanted one thing—a second chance.
The em dash generally creates a more emphatic effect.
Do you put spaces around an em dash?
Spacing depends on the style guide you follow. Some writing styles use spaces around em dashes, while others do not.
Without spaces:
I tried—but it was too late.
With spaces:
I tried — but it was too late.
Whichever style you choose, use it consistently throughout your writing.
Is a hyphen a type of dash?
No. Although a hyphen (-) looks similar to an em dash and an en dash, it is a separate punctuation mark. Hyphens are primarily used to join words or parts of words, while dashes perform different functions within sentences and ranges.
Can dashes be used in formal writing?
Yes. Em dashes and en dashes can be used in formal writing when appropriate. However, em dashes should not be overused. In academic, professional, or formal writing, follow the punctuation and spacing conventions required by the relevant style guide.
You May Also Like
Want to learn more about punctuation in English? Explore these related guides:
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Hyphens in English: Rules and Examples — Learn when to use hyphens in compound words, modifiers, numbers, and other constructions.
-
Em Dash: Rules, Uses, and Examples — Take a closer look at how the em dash creates emphasis, interruptions, and strong breaks in sentences.
-
En Dash: Rules, Uses, and Examples — Learn how to use the en dash correctly with ranges, dates, numbers, and connections.
-
Colon vs Semicolon: What’s the Difference? — Understand when to use a colon and when a semicolon is the better choice.
-
Parentheses in English: Rules and Examples — Learn how parentheses add supplementary information and how they differ from em dashes.
-
Punctuation Marks in English: Rules and Examples — Explore the major punctuation marks and learn how each one works in English writing.