A dash is that one punctuation that is often used wrongly.
When it comes to writing, every word, mark, and punctuation have a purpose. And just like they say, if the purpose is not known, abuse is inevitable.
Any error, especially in punctuation can make your work portray a different meaning from your intent.
For example: Let’s eat, grandpa. Let’s eat grandpa. Clearly, these two sentences contain the same words but their meaning is different.
Some writers use a dash where it is irrelevant, others use the wrong dash in the right sentence. Those and more are the errors we will correct in this article.
What is a Dash?
A dash is a longer kind of punctuation that looks like a hyphen. A dash is used to split parts of a sentence and mark a break. When compared to a semicolon and a comma, it shows a longer pause. It is also known as an em dash or long dash.
Dashes are used in informal writing. They are not used in academic or business writing.
In the Collins Dictionary, a dash is defined as “a straight, horizontal line used in writing, to separate two main clauses whose meanings are closely related.”
Merriam-Webster defines a dash as “a punctuation mark that is used especially to indicate a break in the thought or structure of a sentence.”
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When is a dash used in Writing?
A dash is used in writing when the work is informal writing. It is used for novels, stories, journals, and all forms of informal writing.
It is not used for academic or formal writing. For formal academic writing, use a semicolon, colon and comma.
What are the types of dashes used in writing?
Most writers do not know that there are types of dashes.
The thumb rule is if you must use a dash, use it correctly. Do not put a space before or after a dash.
The two most common types of dash and how to use them are;
- em dash
- en dash
To learn when to use a dash in your writing, let’s look at the two types in detail.
They are similar but to write well, you need to understand their difference and usage.
The Em dash (—)
Em dash is the longer dash of the two. It is referred to as a double dash.
When a writer wants to highlight extra information, he uses the em dash.
For example;
The minister was dressed—rather plainly—in a grey suit.
Your promotion exam results will depend—as my aunt says—on how much hard work you put in.
Use double dashes— if they are appropriate for the type of sentence —in moderation.
You can see how the sentences above will still make sense without the clause between the dashes. However, including em dash signifies that the writer is adding their own opinion into the sentence.
Em dashes are used mainly in novels, journals, and other informal writing types to create a shift in the narrative or from the writers’ ideas. As a result, writers use it in creative writing, especially when writing from a character’s point of view.
Em dashes can also be used for the following reasons.
1) The dramatic “em” dash.
The “em” dash is used in a sentence when the writer wants to create a dramatic effect.
A dash can be used to emphasize a point or to show a contrast between two dramatic ideas.
The “dramatic dash” is intended to startle or surprise the reader at the end of a sentence.
For example;
It was a long lecture—perhaps the longest of my life.
Berries are my favorite flowers—after lilies, of course.
I enjoy playing on my trampoline—I can jump higher than my sister.
2) The Interrupting ‘Em’ Dash
Em dash used here shows the reader that the speaker was interrupted while speaking.
Writers of dialogue use it to make the conversation sound real.
For example;
I love detective film—’
What?! My detective movies are my worst!
This is a good example of when to use a dash in your writing.
The second speaker is interrupting the first as the em dash shows.
Just remember to use the right punctuation.
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3) The ‘Em’ Repeating Dash.
Writers use the em dash to show the effect of repeating words. The repetition of dashes typically shows worry or panic.
For example:
“No—it’s not possible—no—there’s no way it can be…
The En Dash (-)
Now is the time to talk about the en dash.
There are many reasons writers use the en dash (-) rather than the em dash. It is shorter and is used to connect words or phrases.
Let’s look at a few reasons writers use the en dash:
1) To show time intervals:
When writing a novel or short story that portrays time, a writer needs to use the en dash.
Example:
Do you know Mr. John? He worked for the company from 2008-2012.
My working hours range from 9:00 a.m-5:30 p.m.
2) To link compound adjectives.
Another reason to use this dash is to connect compound adjectives. A compound adjective is formed by combining two separate words.
Some writers may use an en dash instead of an en dash if the compound is open and joined by a hyphen.
Example:
She is an award-winning sportswoman.
3) To show a divide or connection:
It is used to emphasize a disagreement or to connect two unconnected topics.
Let’s consider a few examples:
Today is the north-south tennis tournament.
I’m taking the London-Manchester train this morning.
When to use a dash in a sentence
Dashes are commonly used in the following ways:
- It may be used instead of a semicolon, colon, or comma.
- It usually follows an independent phrase to bring the concept to a close.
- Instead of using brackets to separate additional information from the rest of the sentence, they are used in pairs.
- When writing a dialogue, it is used to distinguish a comment from the rest of the discussion.
- Within a phrase, it begins a sentence.
- It is used to show distance.
- It appears between two adjectives or nation names.
Why Are Dashes Not the Same as Hyphens?
I confused a dash and hyphen for a long time. To help you understand this seemingly mysterious term, we will tabulate the difference.
| Dash | Hyphen |
| A dash denotes a break | Hyphens are used to signify continuation at the end of sentences and to connect words to form complicated words. |
| You can use a dash instead of a semicolon, colon, or comma. | A hyphen cannot replace a semicolon, colon, or comma since it does not signify a pause. |
| Example: A lot has changed in the last two years—more than you can possibly imagine. | It is unusual to see a white-headed pigeon in this location. |
Examples of Sentences that use Dash
The following are examples of how to use a dash in a sentence.
- My workday lasts from 9–6.
- The trek is slated to take place from June 12–15.
- One thing is certain–we are about to encounter something unexpected.
- Everyone–young and old–was encouraged to have immunizations as soon as possible.
- A lot has changed since last year–much of it has been positive.
Errors to Avoid When Using Dashes
While writing dashes be mindful of the following;
Using dashes excessively
Dashes are useful but use them sparingly. Write them in moderation to provide emphasis or explanation. If you use too many dashes in your writing, it will look cluttered and lose its flow.
Ignoring Additional Punctuation
Other required punctuation marks should not be substituted with dashes. When commas, colons, or semicolons would be more acceptable, leave the dash. Make sure to use punctuation marks correctly when used with dashes, as each one has a specific purpose.
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Ignoring Regularity
When using dashes, consistency is necessary. Make sure your writing has a unified style throughout. In the Associated Press Stylebook, for example, it states that a space should be used both before and after an em dash. Newspapers and other media that use APA style often use this spacing method.
Using dashes in place of words
Depending on how your sentence is constructed, you may or may not use a dash. For instance, if you use the term “from,” the word “to,” not an en dash, should generally come next.
Rather than saying “The experiment is conducted from June to August,” for instance, use “The experiment is conducted June – August” or “The experiment is conducted June to August.”
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FAQS on How to Use Dash In writing
A dash is used to break and separate a statement. When compared to a semicolon and a comma, it shows a longer pause. It is also known as an em dash or long dash.
In the Collins Dictionary, a dash is defined as “a straight, horizontal line used in writing, to separate two main clauses whose meanings are closely connected”.
A dash is used in writing when the work is informal writing. It is used for novels, stories, journals, and all forms of informal writing.
It is not used for academic or formal writing. For formal academic writing, use a semicolon, colon and comma.
A dash is a punctuation used to indicate a break in a phrase or shift in the direction of thought. A hyphen, on the other hand, connects two words to form more complicated words. It is used to show that a word has been split and will continue on the next line when ending a sentence.
Conclusion
I applaud you for learning how to use the em and en dash, learning how to type them is equally important.
As a writer, your work is done on a computer which involves typing.I will give some keyboard shortcuts for it
| Options | Em dash | En dash |
| Microsoft word | Ctrl + Alt + – | Ctrl + – |
| Mac | Option + shift + – | Option + – |
| Windows Number pad | Alt + 0+1+5+1 | Alt+0+1+5+0 |
References
- Byjus – When to use a dashes
- Grammarly – When to use a dashes
- Twinkl – When to use a dash in writing
