En Dash vs Em Dash: Key Differences and Usage

An en dash (–) is shorter than an em dash (—) and is primarily used to indicate ranges or connections, while an em dash is longer and used for breaks in thought or emphasis. The en dash is about the width of the letter N, and the em dash is about the width of the letter M. In American English, the em dash is typically used without spaces, while the en dash is used without spaces for ranges. In British English, the en dash with spaces often replaces the em dash for parenthetical breaks.

What Is an En Dash?

The en dash (–) is a punctuation mark that is longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash. Its name comes from the fact that it is approximately the width of the letter "N" in many typefaces. The en dash has two primary uses: indicating ranges and connecting related items.

For ranges, the en dash replaces the words "to" or "through." Examples include:

• Pages 10–20
• The years 1990–2000
• Monday–Friday

For connections, the en dash is used between words that have a relationship, such as a conflict, connection, or direction. Examples include:

• The Boston–New York train
• The liberal–conservative debate
• The north–south highway

According to the San José State University Writing Center, the en dash is longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash, and it is used to indicate ranges or connections.

What Is an Em Dash?

The em dash (—) is the longest of the three horizontal punctuation marks, approximately the width of the letter "M." It is used to create a strong break in a sentence, often for emphasis, interruption, or to set off parenthetical information. The em dash can replace commas, parentheses, or colons for a more dramatic effect.

Examples of em dash usage:

• She gave him her answer—no.
• The committee—despite the controversy—approved the plan.
• He had only one goal: to win—at any cost.

In American English, the em dash is typically used without spaces on either side, as recommended by the Chicago Manual of Style. However, some publications, especially online, may use spaces around the em dash for readability. The Merriam-Webster grammar guide notes that the em dash is often used in place of a colon or semicolon to link clauses, especially when the clause that follows explains or expands on the first.

Key Differences Between En Dash and Em Dash

The main differences between the en dash and em dash are length and function. The en dash is shorter and used for ranges and connections, while the em dash is longer and used for breaks in thought or emphasis. The table below summarizes the differences:

As noted in the Hrot guide, British English often uses the en dash with spaces instead of the em dash for parenthetical breaks, while American English prefers the em dash without spaces.

When to Use an En Dash

Use an en dash in the following situations:

• Number ranges: Use an en dash to indicate a range of numbers, such as pages, dates, or times. Example: Read pages 15–30.
• Score or conflict: Use an en dash to connect two words that represent a conflict, connection, or direction. Example: The liberal–conservative debate.
• Compound adjectives with open compounds: When a compound adjective includes a multi-word element, use an en dash instead of a hyphen. Example: pre–Civil War era.

The Write Publish Sell article confirms that the en dash is the width of the letter N and is used for ranges and connections.

When to Use an Em Dash

Use an em dash in the following situations:

• To set off parenthetical information: Use an em dash to emphasize a phrase or clause that interrupts the sentence. Example: The results—surprisingly—were positive.
• To indicate an abrupt break or interruption: Use an em dash in dialogue to show a sudden stop. Example: "I was going to say—" she began.
• To replace a colon or semicolon: Use an em dash to introduce a list, explanation, or summary. Example: She had one goal—to succeed.

According to Investment Writing, the em dash is used to mark an interruption in the structure of a sentence, and some writers love it for its versatility.

How to Type En Dash and Em Dash

Typing these dashes depends on your device and operating system:

• Windows: For an en dash, hold Alt and type 0150 on the numeric keypad. For an em dash, hold Alt and type 0151.
• Mac: For an en dash, press Option + Minus. For an em dash, press Shift + Option + Minus.
• Word processors: Many word processors automatically convert two hyphens (--) into an em dash, or a hyphen surrounded by spaces into an en dash.
• HTML: Use – for en dash and — for em dash.

The Opus Design article notes that the en dash is half the width of the em dash and the size of an uppercase N.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many writers confuse hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes. Here are common mistakes:

• Using a hyphen for a range: Incorrect: 1990-2000. Correct: 1990–2000.
• Using an en dash for a break in thought: Incorrect: She was late – again. Correct (US): She was late—again.
• Spacing inconsistently: Choose a style and stick to it. In US English, no spaces around em dashes; in UK English, spaces around en dashes used as dashes.

By understanding the differences, you can improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing.