How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–), and Hyphens (-)

Learn how to correctly use em dashes, en dashes, and hyphens in English grammar with clear rules, examples, tips, and common mistakes.

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–), and Hyphens (-): A Complete Grammar Guide

Punctuation shapes meaning. Among the most confusing marks in English writing are the em dash (—), en dash (–), and hyphen (-). They look similar, but they serve very different purposes. Using the wrong one can change meaning, reduce clarity, or make writing look unprofessional.

This detailed grammar article explains what each mark is, when to use it, when not to use it, formatting rules, examples, common mistakes, keyboard shortcuts, and style guide tips—in simple, easy-to-understand language.

1. What Are Dashes and Hyphens?

Think of them like this:

• Hyphen = joins
• En dash = connects or ranges
• Em dash = interrupts or emphasizes

2. The Hyphen (-)

What Is a Hyphen?

A hyphen is the shortest dash. It connects words or parts of words so they act as one unit.

Main Uses of the Hyphen

1. Compound Words

Use a hyphen when two or more words work together as a single adjective before a noun.

Examples:

• well-known author
• part-time job
• high-speed internet

❌ Incorrect:

• well known author

✅ Correct:

• well-known author

Rule: If the compound comes after the noun, the hyphen is usually removed.

• The author is well known.

2. Prefixes and Suffixes

Hyphens are used with some prefixes for clarity.

Examples:

• ex-president
• self-esteem
• anti-inflammatory

Use a hyphen when:

• The word may look confusing without it
• The prefix ends and the root word begins with the same vowel

3. Numbers and Fractions

Use hyphens in spelled-out numbers from 21 to 99.

Examples:

• twenty-one
• forty-five
• ninety-nine

Also used in fractions:

• two-thirds
• one-half

4. Line Breaks

In printed text, hyphens can split long words at the end of a line.

When NOT to Use a Hyphen

• With adverbs ending in -ly
  • ❌ highly-skilled worker
  • ✅ highly skilled worker

3. The En Dash (–)

What Is an En Dash?

The en dash is longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash. It often means “to” or “through.”

Main Uses of the En Dash

1. Number Ranges

Use an en dash to show ranges of numbers, dates, or time.

Examples:

• Pages 20–35
• 2010–2025
• Monday–Friday

Think: from…to

2. Scores and Results

Used in sports scores or competitions.

Examples:

• India won 3–1
• The match ended 2–2

3. Relationships or Connections

Use an en dash to connect two equal elements.

Examples:

• India–Pakistan relations
• Teacher–student ratio
• Delhi–Mumbai flight

This shows a connection, not a compound word.

4. Complex Compound Adjectives

When a compound adjective already contains a hyphen, use an en dash.

Example:

• pre–World War–era policies

Spacing Rule for En Dashes

• No spaces before or after the en dash.

4. The Em Dash (—)

What Is an Em Dash?

The em dash is the longest and most expressive dash. It creates a strong pause—stronger than a comma and less formal than parentheses.

Main Uses of the Em Dash

1. Sentence Breaks and Interruptions

Use em dashes to interrupt a sentence for emphasis.

Examples:

• She was ready to leave—until the phone rang.
• The decision—though risky—paid off.

2. Replacing Commas or Parentheses

Em dashes add drama and clarity.

With commas:

• My brother, a doctor, lives abroad.

With em dashes:

• My brother—a doctor—lives abroad.

3. Appositives (Extra Information)

Use em dashes to add explanation.

Example:

• The project manager—an expert in AI—led the team.

4. Abrupt Changes in Thought

Em dashes show sudden shifts.

Example:

• I was thinking we could—never mind.

Spacing Rule for Em Dashes

There are two accepted styles:

1. No spaces (modern style)
   • Word—word
2. Spaces (traditional style)
   • Word — word

Choose one style and stay consistent.

5. Key Differences at a Glance

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using a hyphen instead of an en dash for ranges

• 10-20 ❌
• 10–20 ✅

❌ Using an em dash like a hyphen

• well—known ❌
• well-known ✅

❌ Overusing em dashes
Too many em dashes—like this—can make writing—hard to read.

7. Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows

• Hyphen: -
• En dash: Alt + 0150
• Em dash: Alt + 0151

Mac

• Hyphen: -
• En dash: Option + -
• Em dash: Option + Shift + -

Mobile

• Long-press the hyphen key

8. Style Guide Notes

• Academic writing: Limit em dashes
• Journalism & blogging: Em dashes are common
• SEO content: Correct punctuation improves readability and trust

9. Final Tips for Perfect Usage

• Use hyphens to join
• Use en dashes to show range or relationship
• Use em dashes to emphasize or interrupt
• Be consistent in style
• When in doubt, simplify

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between em dashes, en dashes, and hyphens instantly improves your grammar, clarity, and professional writing style. These small marks carry big meaning. Mastering them helps your writing look polished, confident, and reader-friendly.