Em Dash vs. En Dash — Differences, Uses, and Examples
Em dash and en dash
An em dash is a long dash (—) that sets off a word or clause to add emphasis, indicate an interruption, or expand upon an idea. An en dash (–) is a mid-sized dash that indicates ranges in numbers, dates, and times by replacing the word "to." An en dash can also help maintain clarity with compound adjectives.
Spaces are typically not placed before and after either punction mark.
The names of both punctuation marks derive from their length. An em dash is approximately as long as the width of a typed letter "M," and an en dash is about as long as the letter "N."
The em and en dash are not the same as a minus sign or hyphen (-), which is shorter than both dashes. The function of a hyphen is to combine words or groups of words.
When to use an em dash
Use em dashes for the following purposes.
Insert em dashes in place of commas or parentheses to accentuate the extra information set off by the punctuation mark:
Commas separate information that is closely related to the rest of the sentence.
Parentheses separate information that is remotely related to the rest of the sentence (called parenthetical information).
Em dashes connect information that falls in the middle.
In a sentence containing a clause that explains, summarizes, or expands upon the information dramatically or intensely, an em dash can replace the colon or semicolon that connects the ideas.
I do all the work—she has all the fun.
I need to pack three more items for the trip—sunglasses, bathing suit, and beach towel.
Avoid using an em dash as a replacement for colons and semicolons in formal writing.
An em dash can be used when introducing lists and defining phrases.
The choice of three different types of drinks—milk, juice, and soda—was a pleasant surprise.
An em dash can signify an interruption in speech and used in place of ellipses.
"Are you sure everything is—?" She started to ask before her mom cut her off.
An abrupt change or break in thought can be set off through the use of em dashes.
I was told that after next Tuesday—or maybe Wednesday—I'll be able to return to school.
To make an em dash using keyboard shortcuts on a word processor like Microsoft Word, press “option + shift + minus” on a Mac or “alt + ctrl + minus” on a PC, or search for it in the special characters list.
When to use an en dash
Use en dashes for the following purposes.
An en dash indicates "to," "through," and "up to and including" when listing numbers, dates, scores, and votes.
The teacher assigned chapters 6–8 for homework.
The Steelers defeated the Ravens 16–13.
The board voted 5–1 in favor of the new legislation.
Do not use an en dash if a sentence contains "from" or "between" before the number range.
The library will be open between 2:00 and 5:00.
The class must read from chapters 6 to 8 for homework.
Though not required, incorporating an en dash in an adjective that includes an open compound word can help maintain clarity. An open compound is made up of two words that are separated by a space (e.g., award winning).
He is an award–winning novelist.
Using an en dash lets the reader know that "award" and "winning" should be recognized as a single idea.
An en dash can connect a proper noun to a word used to indicate another connection.
The singer had a James Dean–like voice.
To make an en dash on a word processor like Microsoft Word, press “option + minus” on a Mac or “ctrl + minus” on a PC, or search for it in the special characters list.
Em and en dash examples
The following sentences correctly use an em dash:
Lisa—who has supported me my entire life—deserves praise for her accomplishments.
Two workers—the carpenter and bricklayer—stayed all night to finish their work.
We were ready to leave hours ago—they hadn't even started to pack.
"It would be best if—" yet before he could finish the sentence, a crash came from upstairs.
"Well, it was late last week when—are you even listening to me?"
The following sentences correctly use an en dash:
Around 50–100 people were waiting in line to purchase season tickets.
Although 1775–1783 was an extremely difficult period, it was the basis for America's freedom.
The best time to visit would be around 12:00–1:00 this Friday.
The game was tied 3–3 before we scored a goal in the final seconds.
In the pre–World War II era, the country still suffered from the effects of the previous war.