Replacing commas, parentheses and colons is a common use for em dashes. It can also indicate missing words or parts of words. Use the em dash to replace other punctuation, especially commas, parentheses and colons. Instead of resorting to guessing and stupid luck, let’s talk about how to properly use em dash and en dash.įirst, we’ll talk about exactly when to use em dash in writing. They look so similar (and even sound similar!) so it’s easy to get confused. The en dash and em dash are often misused. en dash, the real differences come in how they are both used. Past the visual distinctions of em dash vs. The en dash lives up to it’s shorter name also in the fact that it has no spaces on either side of it. The en dash is known as the “short dash” and is usually used between numbers. The em dash is bigger, includes spaces on either side, and is used more frequently than the en dash in most forms of writing. The em dash is also known as the “long dash”. The biggest difference right off the bat is actually visually. What is the Difference Between Em Dash vs. Ell, em, en - oh, my! Since that’s probably not what you came here to discover, let’s get down to business and delve into em dash vs. That means you can recite over one-tenth of the English alphabet in order by pronouncing the names of units of length. An “ell” is an antiquated tailor’s and clothmonger’s measurement. In a contest of length featuring en dash vs. (Have I lost you?) In other words, if you have a 14-point typeface, one “em” equals 14 points. The em is a typography unit equal to the current point size of the type. If you write less formal information, such as marketing information, you can use em dashes for emphasis.I was thrilled beyond measure when I discovered the meaning behind the terms “em” and “en” while researching this article. Because the em dash draws attention to the content that it sets off so strongly, it adds a level of informality to the text. M dashes should be avoided in formal technical information if you want your tone to be neutral and direct. In contrast, there are also sources that advise against using the em dash in formal texts: 90), “weakens the flow of material.” One sentence with a phrase set off by em dashes draws the reader’s attention but frequent interruptions of this type risk making your text seem disjointed or cumbersome.ĪPA Blog: Computer Editing Tip: Em Dashes When used with care, this technique can really punctuate your point (pun intended)!īut “overuse,” notes the Publication Manual (p. The text between the dashes is typically a digression or outright interruption of the main idea of the sentence. Or, em dashes may set off a phrase midsentence-a technique that really draws a reader’s attention-as they do in this sentence. The novelty of the em dash makes it perfect for text that you want to stand out.Īn em dash might set off a phrase at the end of a sentence-like this one. 97) notes that em dashes are “used to set off an element added to amplify or to digress from the main clause.” The em dash draws a reader’s attention, partly because of the physical separation that the longer dash creates and partly because these dashes appear less frequently than hyphens and en dashes. For example, this is what APA says:įirst, when would you use an em dash? The Publication Manual (p. Em dashes can be used if allowed by your style guide (but don't use them too often).
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