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.

Learn what an em dash (—) is, how to use it correctly, and see clear examples to improve your writing and punctuation skills.

The em dash is perhaps the most versatile punctuation mark. Depending on the context, the em dash can take the place of commas, parentheses, or colons ⁠—in each case to slightly different effect.

Mar 8, 2022 · An em dash is a punctuation mark that can be used to replace commas, parentheses, colons, and semicolons. In general, the em dash is seen as being more interruptive or striking than …

Jan 10, 2025 · The em dash transforms ordinary writing into something more dynamic—it adds rhythm, creates emphasis, and gives your sentences personality. Used well, it’s one of the most powerful …

Mar 26, 2025 · The em dash—so named because it is the width of a capital letter M. It is a versatile punctuation mark used to set apart the text within sentences.

May 13, 2025 · An em dash here, an em dash there—em dashes everywhere! While this little punctuation mark is many writers’ favorite, it has specific uses and should be utilized artfully for full …

Sep 6, 2024 · An em dash (—) is a long dash used in writing to create breaks in sentences, add emphasis, or insert additional information. It’s longer than a hyphen (-) or an en dash (–) and is …

Jun 14, 2025 · Learn the difference between em dashes (—) and en dashes (–). Discover their unique uses and improve your writing with our tips.

Time Traveler The first known use of 'em was before the 12th century See more words from the same century