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The Dash

Hyphens. En dashes. Em dashes. Don’t even get me started on 2-em dashes and 3-em dashes. When it comes to dashes, writers have a lot of options. Unfortunately, dashes are not interchangeable. Many situations call for a hyphen, others require an en dash, and some need an em dash. Using the right dash at the right time can be tricky, but writers do not need to fear the dash. In fact, the dash can be a writer’s friend and a great tool to spice up a story when things get a little stale.

Hyphens (-) split compound words, phrases, names, and word divisions. Hyphens also separate characters like numbers (1-800-786-0987) and letters in words that are spelled out (t-o-n-i-g-h-t). The Chicago Manual of Style does a thorough job of explaining the different types of compounds and when hyphens are needed in them (7.90).

Examples:
Becky is my sister-in-law.
I need to practice self-restraint.
I saw a 27-year-old dog yesterday.

The primary job of the en dash (–) is to connect numbers. It is important to remember the following rule when using en dashes: always use the word to, not an en dash, when from precedes the first number; always use the word and when between precedes the first number (6.83).

Examples:
The basketball team won 107–67.
To find the quote, see pages 45–50.
I lived in Canada from 1967 to 1976.

While the em dash (—) can be used in many different ways, most writers use it to set off words, phrases, or sentences that further explain or magnify something. An em dash is a noticeable piece of punctuation. When writers use too many em dashes in a piece of writing, the dash can lose some of its oomph. It is important to reserve the em dash for situations that really call for emphasis (6.88).

Examples:
I wish I was in Paris—beautiful Paris—for more than three days.
Dedicated, inspirational, hardworking—these are the characteristics of a hero.
I wish Sally would just listen to me—but she doesn’t.