![]() ![]() Here is Wydick’s example of that sort of usage: You can also employ two em-dashes to enclose a piece of text that must be placed in the middle of the sentence because of the word it modifies. The judge, bristling with indignation, slammed his gavel on the bench. Setting the phrase out with commas just doesn’t have the same effect: “Bristling with indignation” is a descriptive phrase that-as marked off by em-dashes-adds drama and flair. The words, “he judge slammed his gavel on the bench,” convey all the information you need to understand what happened. The em-dashes above set out text that is not necessary for comprehension of the sentence. The judge-bristling with indignation-slammed his gavel on the bench. This versatile em-dash can be used in pairs, as seen in the following example from Richard Wydick’s Plain English for Lawyers (5 th ed.): In many software programs, an em-dash is created by typing two hyphens in a row-with no space before, between, or after the two-and hitting “enter.” (Enclosing a phrase in parenthesis will de-emphasize it blocking it off with commas will treat it neutrally.) Because it signals an abrupt break in the text, the em-dash is used best when you want to emphasize the material that follows it. In the pre–World War II era, the country still suffered from the effects of the previous war.Depending on the context, an em-dash-so named because its width matches a typesetter’s capital M-can take the place of a comma, parenthesis, or a colon in a sentence. The game was tied 3–3 before we scored a goal in the final seconds. The best time to visit would be around 12:00–1:00 this Friday. The following sentences correctly use an en dash:Īround 50–100 people were waiting in line to purchase season tickets.Īlthough 1775–1783 was an extremely difficult period, it was the basis for America's freedom. "Well, it was late last week when-are you even listening to me?" "It would be best if-" yet before he could finish the sentence, a crash came from upstairs. We were ready to leave hours ago-they hadn't even started to pack. ![]() Two workers-the carpenter and bricklayer-stayed all night to finish their work. Lisa-who has supported me my entire life-deserves praise for her accomplishments. The following sentences correctly use an em dash: ![]() To make an en dash on a word processor like Microsoft Word, press “option + minus” on a Mac or “ctrl + minus” on a PC, or search for it in the special characters list. An open compound is made up of two words that are separated by a space (e.g., award winning). Though not required, incorporating an en dash in an adjective that includes an open compound word can help maintain clarity. Using en dashes with complex compound adjectives The class must read from chapters 6 to 8 for homework. The library will be open between 2:00 and 5:00. The board voted 5– 1 in favor of the new legislation.ĭo not use an en dash if a sentence contains "from" or "between" before the number range. The teacher assigned chapters 6– 8 for homework. Use en dashes for the following purposes.Īn en dash indicates "to," "through," and "up to and including" when listing numbers, dates, scores, and votes. To make an em dash using keyboard shortcuts on a word processor like Microsoft Word, press “option + shift + minus” on a Mac or “alt + ctrl + minus” on a PC, or search for it in the special characters list. I was told that after next Tuesday-or maybe Wednesday-I'll be able to return to school. I need to pack three more items for the trip-sunglasses, bathing suit, and beach towel. In a sentence containing a clause that explains, summarizes, or expands upon the information dramatically or intensely, an em dash can replace the colon or semicolon that connects the ideas. Parentheses separate information that is remotely related to the rest of the sentence (called parenthetical information).Įm dashes connect information that falls in the middle. Insert em dashes in place of commas or parentheses to accentuate the extra information set off by the punctuation mark:Ĭommas separate information that is closely related to the rest of the sentence. Use em dashes for the following purposes. The function of a hyphen is to combine words or groups of words. The em and en dash are not the same as a minus sign or hyphen (-), which is shorter than both dashes. An em dash is approximately as long as the width of a typed letter "M," and an en dash is about as long as the letter "N." The names of both punctuation marks derive from their length. ![]()
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