Dashes are an essential part of the punctuation family, serving as a versatile tool to convey meaning, clarify relationships, and add emphasis to written content. However, their correct usage often sparks confusion, even among experienced writers and editors. In this article, we will delve into the world of dashes, exploring their types, functions, and applications, to provide you with a thorough understanding of how to use dashes correctly.
Types of Dashes
There are three primary types of dashes: the hyphen (-), the en dash (–), and the em dash (—). Each has distinct characteristics and uses, which we will examine in detail.
The Hyphen (-)
The hyphen is the shortest of the three dashes and is used to join two or more words together to form a compound word. It can also be used to indicate a range or connection between two things.
Compound Words
Hyphens are used to create compound words, such as:
- Self-portrait
- Merry-go-round
- Two-thirds
In these examples, the hyphen connects two words to form a new word with a unique meaning.
Ranges and Connections
Hyphens can also be used to indicate a range or connection between two things, such as:
- Monday-Friday
- London-Paris train
- The 1990-1995 period
In these cases, the hyphen shows that the two things are connected or part of a range.
The En Dash (–)
The en dash is slightly longer than the hyphen and is used to indicate a range or connection between two things, but with a more subtle distinction.
Ranges and Connections
En dashes are used to indicate a range or connection between two things, such as:
- Monday–Friday
- London–Paris train
- The 1990–1995 period
In these examples, the en dash shows that the two things are connected or part of a range, but with a more nuanced relationship than the hyphen.
Style Guides
The use of en dashes varies across style guides. The Chicago Manual of Style recommends using en dashes for ranges and connections, while the AP Stylebook prefers hyphens. It’s essential to consult the relevant style guide for your writing project to ensure consistency.
The Em Dash (—)
The em dash is the longest of the three dashes and is used to indicate a break in thought or to set off a parenthetical remark.
Break in Thought
Em dashes can be used to indicate a break in thought or to show that a sentence is being interrupted, such as:
- I was going to the store—but then I remembered I had forgotten my wallet.
- The manager—the one with the red hair—was very friendly.
In these examples, the em dash shows that the sentence is being interrupted or that there is a break in thought.
Parenthetical Remarks
Em dashes can also be used to set off parenthetical remarks, such as:
- The new policy—which includes a 10% raise—is expected to be popular among employees.
- The company—the largest in the industry—is facing financial difficulties.
In these cases, the em dash sets off the parenthetical remark, providing additional information without disrupting the flow of the sentence.
Using Dashes Correctly
Now that we’ve explored the different types of dashes and their uses, let’s examine some best practices for using dashes correctly.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is crucial when using dashes. Choose a style guide and stick to it throughout your writing project. This will ensure that your dashes are used correctly and consistently.
Use Dashes Sparingly
Dashes should be used sparingly, as overusing them can make your writing appear cluttered and confusing. Use them only when necessary to convey meaning or clarify relationships.
Avoid Ambiguity
Dashes can sometimes create ambiguity, especially when used in complex sentences. Be careful to use dashes in a way that avoids confusion and ensures clarity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using dashes, there are several common mistakes to avoid.
Confusing Hyphens and En Dashes
One of the most common mistakes is confusing hyphens and en dashes. Remember that hyphens are used to join words together, while en dashes are used to indicate ranges and connections.
Overusing Em Dashes
Em dashes can be tempting to use, but overusing them can make your writing appear amateurish. Use them sparingly and only when necessary to convey meaning or clarify relationships.
Using Dashes Instead of Commas
Dashes should not be used instead of commas. Commas are used to separate items in a list, while dashes are used to indicate ranges, connections, and breaks in thought.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of dashes requires a thorough understanding of their types, functions, and applications. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your dashes are used correctly and effectively. Remember to use dashes sparingly, avoid ambiguity, and consult a style guide to ensure consistency. With practice and patience, you’ll become a dash master, able to convey meaning and clarify relationships with ease.
Additional Resources
For further guidance on using dashes correctly, consult the following resources:
- The Chicago Manual of Style
- The AP Stylebook
- The Oxford Style Guide
- The Grammar Girl website
By combining these resources with the information provided in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a dash expert.
What is the difference between a hyphen and a dash?
A hyphen (-) and a dash (–) are often confused with each other due to their similarities in appearance. However, they serve distinct purposes in writing. A hyphen is used to join two or more words together to form a compound word, such as “self-portrait” or “well-being.” It can also be used to indicate a range or connection between two things, like “Monday-Friday” or “London-Paris train.”
A dash, on the other hand, is used to indicate a break in thought or to set off a parenthetical remark. There are two types of dashes: the en dash (–) and the em dash (—). The en dash is used to indicate a range or connection, similar to a hyphen, while the em dash is used to indicate a stronger break in thought or to set off a parenthetical remark. For example, “I love reading books—which is why I always carry one with me.”
What is the purpose of an em dash?
An em dash (—) is used to indicate a stronger break in thought or to set off a parenthetical remark. It can be used in place of a comma or parentheses to add clarity and emphasis to a sentence. For example, “I love reading books—which is why I always carry one with me.” In this sentence, the em dash sets off the parenthetical remark and adds emphasis to the reason why the speaker loves reading books.
Em dashes can also be used to indicate a sudden change in thought or to add a surprise twist to a sentence. For example, “I was planning to go to the beach—but then it started raining.” In this sentence, the em dash indicates a sudden change in plans and adds a sense of surprise to the sentence.
How do I use an en dash correctly?
An en dash (–) is used to indicate a range or connection between two things. It can be used in place of a hyphen to indicate a range of values or a connection between two things. For example, “Monday–Friday” or “London–Paris train.” In these examples, the en dash indicates a range of days or a connection between two cities.
En dashes can also be used to indicate a conflict or a connection between two things. For example, “the liberal–conservative divide” or “the London–Paris rivalry.” In these examples, the en dash indicates a conflict or a connection between two opposing forces or entities.
Can I use a dash in place of a comma?
In some cases, a dash can be used in place of a comma to add clarity and emphasis to a sentence. For example, “I love reading books—which is why I always carry one with me.” In this sentence, the em dash sets off the parenthetical remark and adds emphasis to the reason why the speaker loves reading books.
However, it’s generally not recommended to use a dash in place of a comma in most cases. Commas are used to separate items in a list or to indicate a pause in a sentence, and using a dash instead can make the sentence harder to read. For example, “I love reading books, writing stories, and learning new things” is clearer and easier to read than “I love reading books—which is why I always carry one with me—writing stories—and learning new things.”
How do I use a dash in a sentence with multiple clauses?
When using a dash in a sentence with multiple clauses, it’s generally best to use it to set off a parenthetical remark or to indicate a break in thought. For example, “I love reading books—which is why I always carry one with me—because it helps me relax.” In this sentence, the em dash sets off the parenthetical remark and adds emphasis to the reason why the speaker loves reading books.
It’s also important to use dashes consistently throughout a sentence. For example, “I love reading books—which is why I always carry one with me—because it helps me relax—and it’s also a great way to learn new things.” In this sentence, the em dashes are used consistently to set off the parenthetical remarks and add emphasis to the reasons why the speaker loves reading books.
Can I use a dash in a title or headline?
In general, it’s best to avoid using dashes in titles or headlines. Titles and headlines are meant to be short and concise, and using a dash can make them harder to read. For example, “The Benefits of Reading—Why You Should Make Time for Books” is harder to read than “The Benefits of Reading: Why You Should Make Time for Books.”
However, there are some cases where using a dash in a title or headline can be effective. For example, “The Liberal–Conservative Divide: How Politics is Affecting Our Country” uses an en dash to indicate a conflict or connection between two opposing forces. In this case, the dash adds clarity and emphasis to the title.
How do I type a dash on my computer or phone?
Typing a dash on a computer or phone can vary depending on the device and operating system. On most computers, you can type an em dash (—) by holding down the “alt” key and typing “0151” on the numeric keypad. You can type an en dash (–) by holding down the “alt” key and typing “0150” on the numeric keypad.
On most phones, you can type a dash by holding down the hyphen key (-) until a menu appears with options for different types of dashes. You can then select the type of dash you want to use. Alternatively, you can copy and paste a dash from a character map or a word processing program.