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Why do we use em dash in a sentence?
Can a dash replace a comma in a sentence?
What is an em dash?
Is em dash a punctuation mark?
Like commas and parentheses, em dashes set off extra information, such as examples, explanatory or descriptive phrases, or supplemental facts. Like a colon, an em dash introduces a clause that explains or expands upon something that precedes it.
- How to Type An em Dash
- What Is An em Dash?
- Use em Dashes to Set Off Parenthetical Information
- Use An em Dash to Set Off Appositives That Contain Commas
- Use An em Dash to Bring Focus to A List
- Use An em Dash to Mark Sharp Turns in Thought
- Em Dash vs. en Dash
On computers, they’re easy to type—on a Mac, go for Shift+Option+Minus (-); on Windows use Ctrl+Alt+Minus (-).
Em dashes differ from otherhyphens and dashesnot only in usage, which we will discuss shortly, but also in appearance. In fact, the em dashis named after its length—it’s about the same width as the capital letter m. Its alphabetical cousin, the en dash, is about the same width as the letter n. Figuratively speaking, the hyphen pulled the short end ...
Em dashes are often used to set off parenthetical information. Using em dashes instead of parenthesesputs the focus on the information between the em dashes. For this usage, make sure you use two em dashes. Use one before the parenthetical information and one after it. Putting spaces before and after an em dash is a matter of preference; just be co...
An appositive is a small section of extra information that is inserted into a sentence for clarification. Commasare usually used to offset the appositive, but if the appositive contains one or more commas, adding additional commas would be confusing for the reader. When using an appositive that contains a comma, offset it with dashes, instead.
When a sentence begins with an independent clause and ends with a list, you can use a colon between the clauseand the list. When the list comes first, it’s better to use a dash to connect the list to the clause. This helps to take three potentially random things and focus them toward one idea, which is easier for the reader to process.
Em dashes can also signal an interruption or a sudden change in the direction a writer was heading with a particular sentence. This technique is best suited for creative or informal writing. If you use it in academic writing, you might look unsure of yourself. Consider the examples below:
En dashes are slightly shorter than em dashes. They also have a different function. The two main uses of en dashes are to indicate number ranges and to act as a kind of super-hyphen for compound modifiers.
May 31, 2019 · There are two types of dash. The en dash is approximately the length of the letter N, and the em dash the length of the letter M. The shorter en dash (–) is used to mark ranges and with the meaning “to” in phrases like “Dover–Calais crossing.” The longer em dash (—) is used to separate extra information or mark a break in a sentence.
May 18, 2023 · For instance, a single em dash can replace a pair of parentheses around material at the end of a sentence, or a pair of em dashes can replace a pair of commas around a clause that contains other commas, to make the sentence easier to understand.
Depending on the context, the em dash can take the place of commas, parentheses, or colons —in each case to slightly different effect. Notwithstanding its versatility, the em dash is best limited to two appearances per sentence. Otherwise, confusion rather than clarity is likely to result.
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 other punctuation, so it is often used stylistically to draw a reader’s attention to a particular bit of information.
Jun 17, 2024 · Learn more about the difference between an em dash and an en dash, and an em dash and a hyphen. Key Points to Remember When Using an Em Dash. An em dash can be used to replace commas, parentheses, colons, and semicolons, or to show an interruption in a sentence. Remember, that em dashes in place of other punctuation should be used sparingly ...
