how to use dashes in an essay examples

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

What is an em dash.

The em dash (—) can function like a comma, a colon, or parenthesis. Like commas and parentheses, em dashes set off extra information, such as examples, explanatory or descriptive phrases, or supplemental facts. Like a colon, an em dash introduces a clause that explains or expands upon something that precedes it.

The Em Dash Indicates a New Direction

• An em dash can mark an abrupt change or break in the structure of a sentence.

Mabel the Cat was delighted with the assortment of pastries the new bakery featured, but Harry the Dog—he felt otherwise.

• An em dash can indicate interrupted speech or a speaker’s confusion or hesitation.

“Of course you have a point,” Mabel murmured. “That is—I suppose it is concerning.”

The Em Dash as Comma or Parenthesis

• Em dashes are used in place of commas or parentheses to emphasize or draw attention to parenthetical or amplifying material. In this particular task, em dashes occupy a kind of middle ground among the three: when commas do the job, the material is most closely related to what’s around it, and when parentheses do the job, the material is most distantly related to what’s around it; when dashes do the job the material is somewhere in the middle.

And the wide range of its hours of operation—6 a.m. to 6 p.m.—certainly showed concern for customers’ manifold circumstances.

• Dashes set off or introduce defining phrases and lists.

A regular selection of three kinds of croissants—plain, almond, and chocolate—was heartening, both Mabel and Harry agreed.

• An em dash is often used in place of a colon or semicolon to link clauses, especially when the clause that follows the dash explains, summarizes, or expands upon the preceding clause in a somewhat dramatic way.

Harry would never forget the Tuesday that Mabel called him from the bakery, her voice brimming with excitement—the bakery had added cheese Danishes to its selection.

• An em dash or pair of dashes often sets off illustrative or amplifying material introduced by such phrases as for example , namely , and that is , when the break in continuity is greater than that shown by a comma, or when the dash would clarify the sentence structure better than a comma.

The bakery was truly phenomenal. Although they did miss the mark somewhat with the pineapple upside-down cake Mabel ordered—that is, the cake had clearly been baked right-side up.

• An em dash may introduce a summary statement that follows a series of words or phrases.

Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, peanut butter, snickerdoodle, both macarons and macaroons—the panoply of cookie varieties was impressive as well.

• A dash often precedes the name of an author or source at the end of a quoted passage—such as an epigraph, extract, or book or film blurb—that is not part of the main text. The attribution may appear immediately after the quotation or on the next line.

“One cannot underestimate the effect a good bakery can have on a person’s well-being.” —Mabel the Cat, The Websterburg Reporter

The Em Dash in the Company of Other Punctuation Marks

• If an em dash appears at a point where a comma could also appear, the comma is omitted.

Within its first year, Mabel and Harry had sampled all of the bakery’s offerings—all 62 items—and had also decided that the exercise was worth repeating.

• When a pair of em dashes sets off material ending with an exclamation point or a question mark, the mark is placed inside the dashes.

Mabel tried, despite her dolefulness—for how could she be otherwise?—to bake her own bread but each loaf that emerged from her oven tasted vaguely of tears.

• Dashes are used inside parentheses, and vice versa, to indicate parenthetical material within parenthetical material. The second dash is omitted if it would immediately precede the closing parenthesis; a closing parenthesis is never omitted.

The bakery’s reputation for scrumptious goods (ambrosial, even—each item was surely fit for gods) spread far and wide.

Em dash vs en dash

• Remembering that the em dash is the length of a capital M, it will surprise no one that the so-called “en dash” is the approximate length of a capital N, –. The en dash is the least loved of all; it’s not easily rendered by the average keyboard user (one has to select it as a special character, whereas the em dash can be conjured with two hyphens), so it’s mostly encountered in typeset material. (A hyphen does its job in other text.) It is most often used between numbers, dates, or other notations to signify “(up) to and including.”

The bakery will be closed August 1–August 31. The bakery is open 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The exceedingly complex recipe spans pages 128–34. Mabel and Harry lived elsewhere 2007–2019.

Note that one does not need words like from and between in these cases. The phrase “open 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.” can be read as “open between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.” or as “open from 6:00 a.m. to/until 6:00 p.m.”

• If you want to be official about things, use the en dash to replace a hyphen in compound adjectives when at least one of the elements is a two-word compound.

the post–Cold War era

The thinking is that using a hyphen here, as in “the post-Cold War era,” risks the suggestion that post attaches only to Cold . It’s unlikely, though, that a reader would truly be confused.

• The en dash replaces the word to between capitalized names, and is used to indicate linkages such as boundaries, treaties, and oppositions.

a Boston–Washington train the pie–cake divide

• A two-em dash, ——, is used to indicate missing letters in a word and, less frequently, to indicate a missing word.

The butter-stained and crumb-embedded note was attributed to a Ms. M—— of Websterburg.

• A three-em dash, ———, indicates that a word has been left out or that an unknown word or figure is to be supplied.

Years later it was revealed that the Websterburg bakers had once had a bakery in ———, a city to the south. But the water quality there was prohibitive to the creating of decent bagels.

While we said above that the em dash, also called the “common dash,” is the most common of the true dashes, hyphens show up more frequently in text. They have a variety of uses.

• Hyphens are used to link elements in compound words .

a baker-owner

• In some words, a hyphen separates a prefix, suffix, or medial element from the rest of the word.

Websterburg’s pre-bakery days a bread-like scone jack-o'-lantern sugar cookies

• As we noted above, a hyphen often does the job of an en dash between numbers and dates, providing the meaning "(up) to and including."

pages 128-34 the years 2007-2019

• A hyphen marks an end-of-line division of a word.

Mabel and Harry don’t like to linger on their memories of Webster- burg’s pre-bakery days.

• A hyphen divides letters or syllables to give the effect of stuttering, sobbing, or halting speech.

"M-m-mabel, the cheese Danish is divine!”

• Hyphens indicate a word spelled out letter by letter.

Let’s not even talk about August, when the bakery is c-l-o-s-e-d.

The em dash is sometimes considered a less formal equivalent of the colon and parenthesis, but in truth it’s used in all kinds of writing, including the most formal—the choice of which mark to use is really a matter of personal preference.

Spacing around an em dash varies. Most newspapers insert a space before and after the dash, and many popular magazines do the same, but most books and journals omit spacing, closing whatever comes before and after the em dash right up next to it. This website prefers the latter, its style requiring the closely held em dash in running text.

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Semicolons, colons, and dashes

What this handout is about.

This handout explains the most common uses of three kinds of punctuation: semicolons (;), colons (:), and dashes (—). After reading the handout, you will be better able to decide when to use these forms of punctuation in your own writing.

The semicolon looks like a comma with a period above it, and this can be a good way to remember what it does. A semicolon creates more separation between thoughts than a comma does but less than a period does. Here are the two most common uses of the semicolon:

1. To help separate items in a list, when some of those items already contain commas.

Let’s look at an example, as that is the easiest way to understand this use of the semicolon. Suppose I want to list three items that I bought at the grocery store:

apples grapes pears

In a sentence, I would separate these items with commas:

I bought apples, grapes, and pears.

Now suppose that the three items I want to list are described in phrases that already contain some commas:

shiny, ripe apples small, sweet, juicy grapes firm pears

If I use commas to separate these items, my sentence looks like this:

I bought shiny, ripe apples, small, sweet, juicy grapes, and firm pears.

That middle part is a bit confusing—it doesn’t give the reader many visual cues about how many items are in the list, or about which words should be grouped together. Here is where the semicolon can help. The commas between items can be “bumped up” a notch and turned into semicolons, so that readers can easily tell how many items are in the list and which words go together:

I bought shiny, ripe apples; small, sweet, juicy grapes; and firm pears.

2. To join two sentences.

An independent clause is a group of words that can stand on its own (independently)—it is a complete sentence. Semicolons can be used between two independent clauses. The semicolon keeps the clauses somewhat separate, like a period would do, so we can easily tell which ideas belong to which clause. But it also suggests that there may be a close relationship between the two clauses—closer than you would expect if there were a period between them. Let’s look at a few examples. Here are a few fine independent clauses, standing on their own as complete sentences:

I went to the grocery store today. I bought a ton of fruit. Apples, grapes, and pears were on sale.

Now—where could semicolons fit in here? They could be used to join two (but not all three) of the independent clauses together. So either of these pairs of sentences would be okay:

I went to the grocery store today; I bought a ton of fruit. Apples, grapes, and pears were all on sale.

I went to the grocery store today. I bought a ton of fruit; apples, grapes, and pears were all on sale.

I could NOT do this:

I went to the grocery store today; I bought a ton of fruit; apples, grapes, and pears were all on sale.

But why would I want to use a semicolon here, anyway? One reason might have to do with style: the three short sentences sound kind of choppy or abrupt. A stronger reason might be if I wanted to emphasize a relationship between two of the sentences. If I connect “I bought a ton of fruit” and “Apples, grapes, and pears were all on sale” more closely, readers may realize that the reason why I bought so much fruit is that there was a great sale on it.

Colons follow independent clauses (clauses that could stand alone as sentences) and can be used to present an explanation, draw attention to something, or join ideas together.

Common uses of colons

1. To announce, introduce, or direct attention to a list, a noun or noun phrase, a quotation, or an example/explanation. You can use a colon to draw attention to many things in your writing. The categories listed below often overlap, so don’t worry too much about whether your intended use of the colon fits one category perfectly.

Lists/series example:

We covered many of the fundamentals in our writing class: grammar, punctuation, style, and voice.

Noun/noun phrase example:

My roommate gave me the things I needed most: companionship and quiet.

Quotation example:

Shakespeare said it best: “To thine own self be true.”

Example/explanation example:

Many graduate students discover that there is a dark side to academia: late nights, high stress, and a crippling addiction to caffeinated beverages.

2. To join sentences. You can use a colon to connect two sentences when the second sentence summarizes, sharpens, or explains the first. Both sentences should be complete, and their content should be very closely related. Note that if you use colons this way too often, it can break up the flow of your writing. So don’t get carried away with your colons!

Example: Life is like a puzzle: half the fun is in trying to work it out.

3. To express time, in titles, and as part of other writing conventions. Colons appear in several standard or conventional places in writing. Here are a few examples:

• With numbers. Colons are used to separate units of time (4:45:00 expresses four hours, forty-five minutes, and zero seconds); ratios (2:1), and Bible verses and chapters (Matthew 2:24).
• In bibliography entries. Many citation styles use a colon to separate information in bibliography entries.

Example: Kurlansky, M. (2002). Salt: A world history. New York, NY: Walker and Co.

• With subtitles. Colons are used to separate titles from subtitles.

Example: Everest: The Last Frontier

• After the salutation in a formal business letter. A colon can be used immediately after the greeting in a formal letter (less-formal letters tend to use a comma in this location).

Example: To Whom It May Concern: Please accept my application for the position advertised in the News and Observer.

Common colon mistakes

1. Using a colon between a verb and its object or complement

Example (incorrect):The very best peaches are: those that are grown in the great state of Georgia.

To correct this, simply remove the colon.

2. Using a colon between a preposition and its object

Example (incorrect): My favorite cake is made of: carrots, flour, butter, eggs, and cream cheese icing.

3. Using a colon after “such as,” “including,” “especially,” and similar phrases. This violates the rule that the material preceding the colon must be a complete thought. Look, for example, at the following sentence:

Example (incorrect): There are many different types of paper, including: college ruled, wide ruled, and plain copy paper.

You can see that “There are many different types of paper, including” is not a complete sentence. The colon should simply be removed.

How to check for mistakes

Ask yourself a question: does the material preceding the colon stand on its own? One way to tell if the colon has been properly used is to look only at the words that come in front of the colon. Do they make a complete thought? If not, you may be using the colon improperly. Check above to see if you have made one of the most common mistakes.

Should you capitalize the first letter after a colon?

Different citation styles (such as MLA, APA, Chicago, and AMA) have slightly different rules regarding whether to capitalize the first letter after a colon. If it is important that you follow one of these styles precisely, be sure to use the appropriate manual to look up the rule.

Here’s our suggestion: generally, the first word following the colon should be lower-cased if the words after the colon form a dependent clause (that is, if they could not stand on their own as a complete sentence). If the following phrase is a complete (independent) clause, you may choose to capitalize it or not. Whichever approach you choose, be sure to be consistent throughout your paper.

Example with an independent clause, showing two different approaches to capitalization: The commercials had one message: The geeks shall inherit the earth. (correct) The commercials had one message: the geeks shall inherit the earth. (correct)

Example with a dependent clause (which is not capitalized): There are three perfect times to smile: when I’m with friends, when I’m alone, and when I’m with my dog. (correct)

The first thing to know when talking about dashes is that they are almost never required by the laws of grammar and punctuation. Overusing dashes can break up the flow of your writing, making it choppy or even difficult to follow, so don’t overdo it.

It’s also important to distinguish between dashes and hyphens. Hyphens are shorter lines (-); they are most often used to show connections between words that are working as a unit (for example, you might see adjectives like “well-intentioned”) or to spell certain words (like “e-mail”).

With that background information in mind, let’s take a look at some ways to put dashes to work in your writing.

1. To set off material for emphasis. Think of dashes as the opposite of parentheses. Where parentheses indicate that the reader should put less emphasis on the enclosed material, dashes indicate that the reader should pay more attention to the material between the dashes. Dashes add drama—parentheses whisper. Dashes can be used for emphasis in several ways: A single dash can emphasize material at the beginning or end of a sentence.

Example: After eighty years of dreaming, the elderly man realized it was time to finally revisit the land of his youth—Ireland.

Example: “The Office”—a harmless television program or a dangerously subversive guide to delinquency in the workplace?

Two dashes can emphasize material in the middle of a sentence. Some style and grammar guides even permit you to write a complete sentence within the dashes.

Example: Everything I saw in my new neighborhood—from the graceful elm trees to the stately brick buildings—reminded me of my alma mater.

Example (complete sentence): The students—they were each over the age of eighteen—lined up in the streets to vote for the presidential candidates.

Two dashes can emphasize a modifier. Words or phrases that describe a noun can be set off with dashes if you wish to emphasize them.

Example: The fairgrounds—cold and wet in the October rain—were deserted.

Example: Nettie—her chin held high—walked out into the storm.

2. To indicate sentence introductions or conclusions. You can sometimes use a dash to help readers see that certain words are meant as an introduction or conclusion to your sentence.

Example: Books, paper, pencils—many students lacked even the simplest tools for learning in nineteenth-century America.

Example: To improve their health, Americans should critically examine the foods that they eat—fast food, fatty fried foods, junk food, and sugary snacks.

3. To mark “bonus phrases.” Phrases that add information or clarify but are not necessary to the meaning of a sentence are ordinarily set off with commas. But when the phrase itself already contains one or more commas, dashes can help readers understand the sentence.

Slightly confusing example with commas: Even the simplest tasks, washing, dressing, and going to work, were nearly impossible after I broke my leg.

Better example with dashes: Even the simplest tasks—washing, dressing, and going to work—were nearly impossible after I broke my leg.

4. To break up dialogue. In written dialogue, if a speaker suddenly or abruptly stops speaking, hesitates in speech, or is cut off by another speaker, a dash can indicate the pause or interruption.

Example: “I—I don’t know what you’re talking about,” denied the politician.

Example: Mimi began to explain herself, saying, “I was thinking—” “I don’t care what you were thinking,” Rodolpho interrupted.

We hope that this handout has helped you better understand colons, semicolons, and dashes! For more information about punctuation, be sure to check out our handout on commas .

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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• Writing Tips

How to Use Hyphens and Dashes in an Essay

3-minute read

• 12th May 2016

Hyphens and dashes are basically the same, right? Just little lines used to connect words? Well, sort of, but there are important distinctions you should keep in mind when writing an essay .

Hyphens ( – ) are typed with the key next to ‘0’ on your keyboard and generally used to connect two words or link syllables in a single word.

In some cases, this is because a compound word is conventionally hyphenated:

• Topsy-turvy
• Daughter-in-law
• Self-employed

At other times it’s because a hyphen is required to preserve clarity, such as when adding a prefix causes a letter collision (e.g. the double ‘i’ in ‘anti-inflammatory’).

Hyphens are also used when constructing phrasal adjectives . This is usually only necessary when the adjective occurs before the word it modifies (e.g. ‘a well-known politician’, but ‘the politician is well known’). But some adjectives are conventionally hyphenated regardless of where they appear in the sentence (e.g. both ‘an error-free paper’ and ‘the paper is error-free’ are correct since ‘error-free’ is almost always written with a hyphen).

A hanging or suspended hyphen can be used when two compound terms contain the same second element. For instance, a company might say ‘we offer five- and ten-year mortgages’. Here, the hyphen after ‘five’ shows that we mean ‘five-year and ten-year mortgages’ but didn’t want to repeat ‘year’. This can also be done with closed compounds, such as in ‘under- and overground trains’.

Hyphens are also used for writing out compound numbers, from twenty-one to ninety-nine.

It’s often worth checking whether a compound word really needs a hyphen, as conventions change over time. For instance, many people now write ‘e-mail’ as just ‘email’ or spell ‘co-operate’  as just ‘cooperate’.

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En and Em Dashes

There are two kinds of dash you might need to use, en dashes and em dashes, each of which has a specific purpose:

An en dash ( – ) is a little longer than a hyphen. Its main use is to indicate a range of values (e.g. people aged 18–21), a sequence (e.g. August–October, pp. 78–85, A–Z), or a connection (e.g. Anglo–American relations).

However, you can also use spaced en dashes to set apart a few words in a sentence – like this bit – before resuming the original thought.

Microsoft Word automatically formats hyphens as en dashes when they’re inserted between words with a space (e.g. ‘1 – 5’ changes to ‘1 – 5’).

An em dash ( — ) is longer than either a hyphen or an en dash. As with en dashes, we can use em dashes to add an interruption to a sentence—like this one—before resuming a thought. Note, too, that em dashes are unspaced.

This style of dash is more common in American English. Ultimately, though, whether to use em dashes or en dashes to set apart part of a sentence is largely a matter of preference as long as you are consistent.

The Difference

If you look carefully, hyphens and dashes differ in appearance as well as their use, so picking the right one in any given situation is vital: -/–/—.

Since conventions differ slightly from place to place, one thing you should do to ensure accuracy is check your style guide before starting an essay. However, the most important thing is to use these marks consistently throughout your document.

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Using Dashes

Dashes, when used sparingly and correctly, can be used to make your writing sound more sophisticated.

Indicate sudden changes in tone or thought within a sentence

To emphasize the contradiction between ideas

There is an illness in many foreign services–the people in them are only good at following instructions.* I am under the impression that she has no instructions at all–and doesn’t need any.* The exuberant–I should say lunatic–quality of his ravings electrified the crowd. *

Set off some sentence elements

To insert parenthetical commentary while emphasizing their importance (Parentheses tend to diminish the importance of what’s enclosed in them)

Over a candlelit dinner last month at Spaso House, the ambassadorial residence in Moscow, Robert Strauss and his wife Helen listened as two Senators–Republican Robert C. Smith of New Hampshire and Democrat John Kerry of Massachusetts–agreed that the way to bring American audiences “out of their chairs” these days was simply to say, in Smith’s words, “We won the cold war, and we’re not going to send one dime in aid to Russia.”* Strauss favors–as does, sotto voce, the Administration–early admission of Russia to the International Monetary Fund.*

Create emphasis

To connect ideas strongly to each other.

To feed, clothe, and find shelter for the needy–these are real achievements. For further information you may wish to take one of the following free grammar, style, and punctuation workshops offered by the Writing Center. *Adapted from Time Magazine, 6 April 1992.

Grammar and Punctuation

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Using Commas

Using Semicolons

Using Coordinating Conjunctions

Using Conjunctive Adverbs

Subject-Verb Agreement

Using Gender–Neutral Pronouns in Academic Writing

How to Proofread

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

Clear, Concise Sentences

Dashes – Usage & Examples (With Worksheet)

| Danielle McLeod

| Punctuation

Danielle McLeod

Danielle McLeod is a highly qualified secondary English Language Arts Instructor who brings a diverse educational background to her classroom. With degrees in science, English, and literacy, she has worked to create cross-curricular materials to bridge learning gaps and help students focus on effective writing and speech techniques. Currently working as a dual credit technical writing instructor at a Career and Technical Education Center, her curriculum development surrounds student focus on effective communication for future career choices.

Dashes are an excellent way to show how various words, offsets, asides, and other informational phrases are related to one another. However, I find that most people don’t use a dash at all and incorrectly place a hyphen where a dash belongs. I was even guilty of doing this in the past and was shocked to discover the kinds of dashes I could use to make my writing more understandable.

Take a look at the types of dashes you can use and when to use a dash in a sentence below.

Em Dash vs. En Dash

There are two different types of dashes: the em dash and the en dash. Both are punctuation marks that help provide clarity to your reader.

The em dash (—) is the longest dash and can be used in place of a comma, semi-colon, colon, or parenthesis. The en dash (–) is the shorter dash and is used in sentences to show how words and ideas are related to one another in writing.

What is a Hyphen?

The hyphen (-) is often incorrectly used in place of a dash. The hyphen is used to connect two words together and should not be used in place of either an em or an en dash. Never used a double hyphen to replace an em or en dash. 

How to Use an Em Dash

The em dash is called an “em” because the dash is approximately the width of a typed letter M. It also is known as the em rule. It works to separate words and phrases from the rest of the sentence and is supposed to provide emphasis or drama.

Em Dash Rules

The use of an em dash is to create drama and draw attention to the words it helps offset. It allows your reader to focus on specific words and phrases and replaces confusing commas, semicolons, and parentheses. Take a look at how to use an em dash in a sentence.

Highlight Important Ideas, Summaries, and Dramatic Changes of Thought

• The final essay was due by noon — and had to be placed in the professor’s mailbox, of all things!
• The Homecoming Game — disappointingly postponed due to lighting — was finally called off.
• She wasn’t sure what to think — except she definitely had to rush if she was going to make it on time!

Set Off Long Nonessential Appositives if it is Already Internally Punctuated or to Add Drama

• The queen was born a commoner — despite her royal heritage, marriage to the king, and charity work in the poor areas of the city — and many people disliked her for it.

Set Off a Nonessential Modifier if it is Already Internally Punctuated or to Add Drama

• She thought she wasn’t good enough at the tryouts to land the role — her addition was flawless — and was humble in her acceptance of the placement.

Replace Parentheses if it is Long and Internally Punctuated, or to Provide Emphasis

• Our new school building provided new learning opportunities — luckily, I was able to transfer over to it, build a curriculum, and feel useful again — that the entire county could take advantage of.

Between a List and Independent Clause When the List Comes First

Creating new resources, applicable assessments, and hand on opportunities — are all useful for meaningful, in-class learning and career-building skills.

How to Use an En Dash

The en dash is called an “en” because the dash is approximately the width of a typed letter N. It also is known as the en rule. It is used to highlight the relationship between dates, numbers, or two words.

En Dash Rules

En dash rules are specific to word relationships. When the en dash is used in a sentence, it emphasizes how words and numbers are connected to one another. Look at these examples:

To Replace the Word Versus

• The governor – governor candidate debate was well organized and fairly moderated.
• The cross-country meet was held in the park for the Eagle – Wildcat district championship.

To Replace the Words “to” or “and”

Avoid if the structure includes a “from…to…” or “between…and…” parallel structure.

• The Detroit – Orlando flight is non-stop, quick, and great for families with young children.
• The final assessment was an English – History department collaboration.

To Show Number or Date Ranges

• My order should ship out within 5 – 7 business days.
• I need between 15 – 23 students to make the class a success.
• The period between 1900 – 1950 highlights incredible technological growth.

To Highlight Equal Pairings or Partnerships

• The student – student lesson creations helped teachers see what their classes valued for new learning opportunities.
• The university – college partnerships provided alignment for class career options.

For Vote Tallies, Scores, or Directions From One Point to Another

• The Rockhounds season ended 32 – 15.
• The votes were split 50 – 50.
• The Midland – Las Vegas Flight was a little over an hour long.

To Replace a Hyphen in Complex Compound Adjectives

• Pre-Columbus America was almost 100% untouched by European influences.

How to Use a Hyphen

Hyphens actually have many rules associated with their use, and it is important to explain their overall function in writing to help you recognize the difference between dashes and hyphens. The main purpose of a hyphen is to make connections between words.

Hyphen Rule Summary

Hyphens are more widely used than a dash, but they are also often overused or misused as well. They should be used to connect words and numbers to help readers understand the relationships between them. Here is a quick summary of its main uses.

Use With Compound Modifiers, Compound Nouns, Compound Verbs, and Compound Numbers

• The new school, built to create quality, career-building opportunities, was located next to the main High School Campus.
• Her brother-in-law was the new principal.
• She applied a block to her emotions, like a sun-screening against negativity.
• They expected fifty-two contestants in the E-Sports challenge next weekend.

To Divide Compound Words Containing Double Vowels

• She had always been semi-independent so moving to a new school was not a big deal.

Use With Prefixes Placed Before Capital Words and the Words Self, All, and Ex

• The pre-New Year’s gala was much less crowded and more enjoyable than bringing in the New Year with a crowd of strangers.
• One of the worst feelings was watching someone self-medicate with addictive behaviors.

Use With the Suffixes Elect, Type, Designate, or Like (If the Root has Three or More Syllables)

• The governor-elect will be sworn in during the January sessions.
• A commencement-like ceremony was held for students who achieved the highest honors.

Let’s Review

Dashes are a type of punctuation mark that can add clarity to your writing. There are two main forms of dashes you should take advantage of.

Em dashes work to offset and highlight words and phrases, and en dashes provide visual relationships between words and numbers. Hyphens, although more common, only are used to connect words or numbers — not to create relationships or add clarity to your writing.

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Dashes and Parentheses

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Dashes and parentheses indicate an “aside” to the point you are making in your sentence. Although sometimes considered interchangeable, each serves a specific purpose in your writing. Dashes interrupt your writing to insert an interjection or pause, while parentheses gently add information to your point. A word of caution: although parentheses can be used throughout all writing genres, dashes are rarely used in formal academic research. Dashes are more common in fiction writing and in more casual texts. Another word of caution: make sure that you are introducing relevant additional information with your dashes or parentheses and that it is not just added for fluff. Strive to be clean and clear in your writing.

In this handout, we have provided some guidelines for using each punctuation mark.

An em dash—inserted by typing Control+Alt+Minus between the words it separates—signals an abrupt break in thought. It can be seen as “surprising” the reader with information. If used judiciously it can mark a longer, more dramatic pause and provide more emphasis than a comma can. If overused, it creates an impression of haste and carelessness and can diminish cohesion in your paragraphs. Em dashes are useful in early drafts to capture thoughts and afterthoughts, but in revising you may need to delete them in favor of punctuation marks that better express your ideas, such as commas (see our handout on  Commas  for more information). Think carefully before peppering your papers with them.

Tip:  When using the em dash in a sentence, you do not place spaces on either side of the punctuation mark, except in some journalistic styles of writing.

If you wish to use dashes effectively here are some guidelines:

If the main sentence resumes, a second dash is needed. Don’t allow a comma to substitute for the second dash, and be sure that your sentence would make sense if the part without the dashes were omitted:

Example : The actors bowed—except for the horse—knowing they blew everyone away!

Don’t combine dashes with other punctuation marks:

Inappropriate : They acquired several horses at the fair, —a winner, a loser, and a beer-drinking mare.

Appropriate:  They acquired several horses at the fair—a winner, a loser, and a beer drinking mare.

Use dashes to mark the beginning and end of a series, which might otherwise get confused, with the rest of the sentence:

Example : The three female characters—the wife, the nun, and the jockey—are the incarnation of excellence.

Dashes are also used to mark the interruption of a sentence in dialogue:

Example : “Help! This horse is going too fast,” the actor yelled. “I think I am fall—.”

NOTE:  Colons are preferred when introducing a list. See our  Colons  handout for more information.

The Parentheses

Parentheses also signify a break in thought, but they mark an addition of information rather than an interruption like dashes do. Rather than a surprise (like dashes), parentheses are a gentler insertion in your sentence. Also like dashes, parentheses should be used sparingly. Too many can break the clarity and flow of your ideas. Another thing to keep in mind is that they are often seen as casual in tone, so make sure they are appropriate for the style of writing you are using. If not, punctuation marks such as commas are often more academically appropriate.

If you wish to use parentheses effectively here are some guidelines:

Parentheses can be used to set off incidental information such as numbers, dates, examples, and references:

Example : The show will run for a staggering seventeen (17) weekends.

Example : A recent study examined wellness practices among Kentucky Derby winning jockeys (Calamine, 2012).

Example : The use of “human” as a noun (“Humans are sentient beings”) has been criticized.

No mark of punctuation should ever precede a parentheses, but you can use punctuation after the closing parentheses if necessary. The rule is that the parentheses shouldn’t affect the punctuation of the main statement:

Example : After several weeks of exercises (memory and voice), he finally began to feel competent.

If the enclosed matter is the last part of the sentence, the period comes after the parentheses, as in the next example:

Example : Horses should be regarded as assets (but only the working kind).

Like dashes, parentheses can be overused, as in:

Example : Though making a production about a winning horse has its dilemmas (having the space and the janitors necessary) and the normal problems expected in any play (big egos, emotional cast, and a low budget), it is an immense satisfaction to make it happen.

NOTE:   Dashes and parentheses are great tools to use when you need to add additional information in your sentences. However, keep in mind that they must be used judiciously, and sparingly. If used too often they can complicate the flow of your sentences, which can confuse your reader. Almost any instance of a dash or parentheses is going to be “fluff” or unnecessary, so it is up to you to decide whether the information you want to add is worth the risk of cluttering up your sentences.

Table of Contents

Ai, ethics & human agency, collaboration, information literacy, writing process.

• © 2023 by Joseph M. Moxley - University of South Florida

Use dashes to set off an idea or an appositive within a sentence.

A dash (—) is a punctuation mark used to set off an idea within a sentence and may be used alone or in pairs. Dashes interrupt a thought in a more dramatic way than a phrase enclosed in commas , but less theatrically than parentheses .

To form a dash, type two hyphens—without a space before, after, or between them—and your word processor will convert them to a dash. You make a dash by hitting the hyphen key twice. The hyphen key is next to the +/= key on your keyboard (the same key with the underscore _ ). Some Word programs will automatically join your hyphens together to make a dash, and some will leave the space. Either way is fine!

Dashes can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on what you want to emphasize:

• Teaching—the profession has always appealed to me.
• The idea of being a teacher—working with kids, summers off—has always appealed to me.
• I have always known what I want to be—a teacher.

Note: If you put a dash in the middle of your sentence, you need to place another dash at the end of the emphasized information (like parentheses!).

Use dashes thoughtfully and sparingly, or they may lose their effectiveness.

How should dashes be used?

• Cell phones, hand-held computers, and built-in TVs—each a possible distraction—can lead to a potentially dangerous situation if used while driving.
• The young woman took all of the necessary supplies—leash, pet carrier, and paperwork—to the shelter when she went to pick up her newly-adopted dog.
• Genocide—the systematic killing of a racial group—is an atrocity that has created black holes in history.
• Childhood obesity has become a grave concern in many parts of the world—particularly during the last two decades.
• She finally let down her guard—and cried like a baby—when the counselor urged her to let go of her pain.

Use a Dash after a Series or List of Appositives

When you introduce a long series or list of appositives before the subject and verb, you are placing high demands on the reader’s short-term memory. Therefore, use this pattern rarely and only for emphasis. This pattern is particularly appropriate in conclusions, when you are bringing together the major threads of your discussion or argument. Finally, you should place a summary word after the dash and preferably before the subject of the sentence, as indicated by the following examples. The most common summary words that writers use are all, those, this, each, what, none, such, these .

• Jealousy, lust, hate, greed–these are the raw emotions we will explore.
• Lying, stealing, cheating, committing adultery–which is the greatest sin?
• To struggle with meaning, to edit, to combine sentences–these activities are well known to the struggling writer.
• Wining and dining his friends, stroking people’s egos, maintaining a good appearance, and spending money–all were part of his scheme to gain influence.

Use Dashes When You Wish to Emphasize a Parenthetical Element

Commas are usually sufficient punctuation to set off parenthetical elements. In some instances, however, you can use a dash instead, especially if you want to make the insertion more noticeable:

• The building next to ours–the one with the all-cedar exterior–was engulfed in flames.

When you want to whisper rather than shout, you can place the modifiers inside parentheses:

• The secret I have to tell you (the one I’ve been hinting about) will surprise you.

Use Dashes to Embed a Series or List of Appositives

A single appositive or modifier can easily be set off from the rest of the sentence in commas, but you must use dashes when you insert a series of appositives or modifiers. After all, how else will the reader know when the series is over?

• The essential qualities of an effective writer–discipline, effort, inspiration–can be learned by regular writing.
• With the help of her assistant–a high-speed personal computer–she produced a delightful letter.

Use Dashes to Set off an Emphatic Repetition

You can emphasize an important point by placing a dash or comma at the end of the sentence and then repeating a key word or phrase:

• Hal is a computer, the ultimate computer.
• Mrs. Leavitt is a gambler, a compulsive gambler.
• He was disturbed by the warning–the warning that everyone else ignored.
• All rapists should be severely punished–punished in a way they will never forget.

Brevity - Say More with Less

Clarity (in Speech and Writing)

Coherence - How to Achieve Coherence in Writing

Flow - How to Create Flow in Writing

Inclusivity - Inclusive Language

The Elements of Style - The DNA of Powerful Writing

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Using Dashes

The rules for using dashes.

• To show in ranges for numbers or dates (e.g., 1 May–13 June)
• To divide a compound adjective with two equal parts (e.g., the India–Pakistan issue)
• To extend sentences just like colons, semicolons, and three dots (e.g., I need 1 thing – money.)
• To offset additional information just like commas and brackets (e.g., Jane – the youngest sister – left early.)
• To credit a quotation (e.g., "When I die, I will be forgotten." – Anon)

Table of Contents

Five Ways to Use Dashes

Dashes are usually optional, the types of dash, use of dashes explained in detail, (1) using dashes with ranges (e.g., times and dates), (2) using dashes in compound adjectives with equal parts, (3) using dashes to extend sentences, (4) using dashes as parentheses, (5) using dashes to credit quotations, why dashes are important.

(1) To show ranges (e.g., with times and dates).

(2) To divide the equal parts of a two-part adjective.

(3) To extend a sentence.

(4) To mark a parenthesis (e.g., an afterthought or a clarification).

• It depends — as my mother used to say — on trust.

(5) To credit a quotation.

• "Love is a serious mental disease." — Plato

• USSR existed 1922–1991.
• USSR existed between 1922 and 1991.
• USSR existed from 1922 to 1991.
• USSR existed 1922 to 1991.
• The project will be delivered January–June.
• I will visit 13 January–24 January
• I will visit 0800–0900.

The Values in the Range Are Inclusive

• The Great Fire of London took place 2–6 September 1666.

• The India-Pakistan issue
• The NATO-Warsaw Pact agreement

Using a dash to replace a colon

Using a dash to replace a semicolon

Using a dash to replace an ellipsis (i.e., three dots)

Good News and Bad News

Be Consistent When Formatting Dashes

• en dashes with spaces (e.g., Bill – aged 17 – won the cup.)
• em dashes with spaces (e.g., Bill — aged 17 — won the cup.)
• em dashes without spaces (e.g., Bill—aged 17—won the cup.)
• en dashes without spaces (e.g., Bill–aged 17–won the cup.)

(Reason 1) A dash will be safe if you're unsure whether to use a colon or a semicolon.

• Take my advice — I don't use it anyway.
• Take my advice — stay alive.

(Reason 2) Dashes used as parenthetical punctuation are unmistakably clear.

• If you're unsure whether to use a colon or a semicolon, use a dash. Easy life.
• If you need a parenthesis to stand out – I mean really stand out – replace your breezy brackets or confusing commas with daring dashes.

This page was written by Craig Shrives .

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The Editor’s Manual

Free learning resource on English grammar, punctuation, usage, and style.

• Punctuation |

The Many Uses of an Em Dash (—)

Use an em dash to introduce information that explains, amplifies, and builds upon a previous statement.

• I can help you win—if that is what you want.
• We need more people like her—people who stand up for the truth.
• All forms of public transport—trains, buses, ferries, metro—are shut until further notice.
• I’ve been charging the phone for an hour—it won’t turn on.

The em dash helps separate the parts of a sentence. It is a versatile punctuation mark that can take the place of commas, parentheses, colons, and semicolons in sentences.

An em dash can also mark dialogue, signify an interruption, indicate a sudden break in thought, and introduce a list.

• I want—I don’t know what I want.
• My mother was—is—a teacher.
• Luxuries turn into necessities—refrigerators, microwave ovens, air conditioners, personal computers, mobile phones.
• Cats, dogs, rabbits, turtles—we treat all small animals.

Em dashes are more emphatic and dramatic than other punctuation marks such as commas and colons, and are seen more often in informal and creative writing than in formal texts.

The em dash (—), also called the em rule, derives its name from being the same width as the capital letter M . It is the longest of the commonly used dashes, longer than an en dash (–), which in turn is longer than a hyphen (-).

To provide additional information

Use em dashes in place of commas to enlarge upon ideas and present additional information, especially when this information is not closely related to the text.

• Maya made a decision that day— a decision that would lead to an unexpected adventure .
• She waved at us— a sad, hopeful little wave .
• My mother was a kind woman— impatient, irritable, irascible, but kind .

An em dash is often simply called a dash .

Also use an em dash instead of a comma to avoid ambiguity—for example, to set off a list that already contains commas.

• Her children— Poco, Tiko, and Loco —attended the ceremony.
• Maya has published four books— a biography, a poetry collection, and two novels .
• All forms of payment— credit cards, gift cards, checks, cash —are accepted here.
• Three animals— a bear, a panther, and a tiger —feature prominently in this story.
• Poco— who already owns four cars, one of which is a Porsche —has bought himself a Ferrari.

Additional information can also be enclosed in parentheses (or brackets, as they are called in British English). However, parentheses diminish the importance of the text they enclose. If the information is important and you want it to stand out, use em dashes instead.

Remember to “close your dashes.” An em dash is needed both before and after a parenthetical element.

• Incorrect: While studying— well, pretending to study , Nesbit fell asleep. Correct: While studying— well, pretending to study —Nesbit fell asleep.
• Incorrect: Three people— the researcher, her assistant, and the subject of the study together received the award. Correct: Three people— the researcher, her assistant, and the subject of the study —together received the award.

To amplify a statement

Use an em dash to introduce new information that explains or builds upon something that precedes it.

• What was more distressing was the sense of loss— not only had he lost his partner but also his best friend .
• Maya thought it a magnificent house— it had huge bay windows, an elegant driveway, and a gabled roof .

Both a colon (:) and an em dash (—) can be used to explain or build upon a statement. The colon is quieter, while the em dash is more dramatic, which is why it is seen more often in informal and creative writing than in formal texts, where the colon is preferred.

The em dash can also be used in place of a semicolon (;) to connect two closely related clauses. (Semicolons are more formal than dashes.)

• I’ve tried everything—nothing works.
• People say they hate airports—not me—I love the bustle and activity and watching everyone know where they’re going.
• At the corner I turned around and waved at her—that was the last time I saw her.

To introduce a list

An em dash can replace a colon to introduce a list or series of elements in a sentence.

• Lulu wants it all— fame, fortune, adventure, and comfortable sandals .
• We serve confectionary— cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and candy .

In formal texts (such as academic and business writing), prefer to use a colon over a dash to introduce a list.

To front a list

The em dash can also be used to start a sentence with a list. This technique is especially useful when the listed elements appear unrelated at first glance, but their description helps the reader link them together.

• Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens, and warm woolen mittens —these are some of Julie Andrews’ favorite things.
• A black tie, a silk jacket, and woolen pants —that is all Farley wore to the North Pole.
• Porcelain cats, beaded boxes, wooden monkeys —the room was filled with knickknacks.

A single noun phrase at the start of a sentence can also be followed by an explanatory statement set off by an em dash.

• Procrastination— it will always be my nemesis.
• Truth— does it even mean anything to you?
• A hot cup of tea— that’s all I need to relax.

To mark an aside

Use em dashes to mark an aside and present information tangential to the meaning of a sentence.

• My new sandals— I bought them just yesterday —have fallen apart.
• The cat— she had been yowling since 4 a.m. —curled up and fell asleep when the alarm rang.
• The apple— or what I thought was an apple —was made of plastic.
• Her father— that is, the man who claims to be her father —turned up this morning.

To signal a sudden break

Use em dashes to set off a sudden turn in thought in a sentence.

• The thief— or was it a ghost? —vanished just as I peeked out the window.
• I saw— hey, what’s that? —I saw something strange streak across the sky.
• Maya loves— no, she adores —black roses.

Pauses can similarly be signified by an em dash in writing.

• “Could you— atishoo! —could you pass me a tissue?”
• “I want — I want nothing at all, really.”

To punctuate dialogue

Writers sometimes use em dashes instead of quotation marks to mark dialogue.

• —Do you think he’ll keep his promise? —I hope so, but who can tell? He hasn’t been himself for days.

To signify interruption

Interrupted speech is shown by means of an em dash.

• “I really think—” “It’s no use. There’s nothing else we can do.”

Use an ellipsis (. . .) to indicate an unfinished thought but an em dash to show interrupted speech.

• Unfinished thought: “I think . . .” Interrupted speech: “I think—”

Em dashes can be used in poetry to explain an idea or signify a break in thought.

• “For I have known them all already, known them all— Have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life with coffee spoons . . .” — T. S. Eliot , “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” 1915

Emily Dickinson is famous for using dashes to great effect in her poems.

• “Forever—is composed of Nows— ’Tis not a different time— Except for Infiniteness— And Latitude of Home—” — Emily Dickinson, “ Forever—is composed of Nows— (690) ,” 1863

Of course, unless you are one of the great reclusive poets of the nineteenth century, avoid using quite so many em dashes.

The source of quoted material (e.g., an author’s name) can be presented using an em dash.

How to insert an em dash

To insert an em dash in Microsoft Word, use one of these ways, whichever you find convenient:

• On Mac OS, press Option+Shift+hyphen key to type an em dash.
• If your keyboard has a numeric keypad, hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys and press the minus sign on the numpad: Ctrl+Alt+minus (on numpad).
• If your keyboard has a numeric keypad, hold down the Alt key and press 0151 on the numpad: Alt+0151 (on numpad).
• Go to the Insert menu. Choose Symbol, click the Special Characters tab, highlight the em dash, and click Insert.
• Type two hyphens one after the other ( - - ), type the word that comes after the em dash, and press Space on your keyboard. Voila—the double hyphen turns into a single em dash! (This magic only works if AutoFormat is enabled in Word.)

In software that does not support extended (or Unicode) characters, it is acceptable to use two hyphens ( - - ) in place of an em dash. In applications such as Notepad and other text editors, copying and pasting from Word works.

Spaces around em dash

Spaces do not typically enclose em dashes in academic and business writing. In news copy, however, spaces often surround this dash.

• “Let’s consider the most versatile piece of punctuation — the dash.” — “ Mad Dash ,” The New York Times , October 22, 2012
• “Pelosi outlines a path to victory for House Democrats in 2020 — and guarantees it” — Headline in The Washington Post , April 6, 2019

In print, typographers may prefer to surround the em dash with spaces. Spaces are not generally used in electronic copy.

Spaced en dash in British usage

In British style, a spaced en dash is used instead of an em dash.

• “His only possessions were a canvas bag, a pair of torn trousers and a blanket – all as filthy as himself.” — Paul Scott , Staying On , 1977
• “Not just this second, but the next and the next – all the time in the world.” — Zadie Smith , White Teeth , 2000
• “He worked with a group of volunteers – largely students and other anti-war activists – to build an artificial roof to hold the shark outside his studio.” — “‘It went in beautifully as the postman was passing’: the story of the Headington Shark,” The Guardian , April 7, 2019

Examples from published content

Here are some examples from writing that show how em dashes can help provide additional information that explains or amplifies a statement.

• During the Second World War, countless manuscripts—diaries, memoirs, eyewitness accounts—were lost or destroyed. Some of these narratives were deliberately hidden—buried in back gardens, tucked into walls and under floors—by those who did not live to retrieve them. — Anne Michaels , Fugitive Pieces (1996)
• Growing older is mainly an ordeal of the imagination—a moral disease, a social pathology—intrinsic to which is the fact that it afflicts women much more than men. — Susan Sontag , “The Double Standard of Aging,” Saturday Review (Sep. 23, 1972)
• Not responding is a response—we are equally responsible for what we don’t do. — Jonathan Safran Foer , Eating Animals (2009)

The following examples show how an em dash is more emphatic than a comma or a colon, and how it can add drama to a sentence.

• One would think a writer would be happy here—if a writer is ever happy anywhere. — Raymond Chandler , The Long Goodbye (1953)
• A little-known United Nations agency decided to make an impact by doling out loans and grant money—all to a single family. It did not go well. — “Why Did a U.N. Agency Give a Family $61 Million?” New York Times (May 7, 2022)

And in this example, we see how em dashes can enclose an aside or other tangential information.

• Then I noticed two flat stones in the ground, a distance of a few feet—six feet?—from the upright stone. — Alice Munro , “Meneseteung,” Friend of My Youth (1990)

Share this article

The em dash can be used to begin a sentence with a list and then follow this list with an explanatory statement. Don’t use it to interrupt a complete statement.

Remember to close em dashes when using them to enclose a parenthetical statement.

Use em dashes, not hyphens, to set off additional information.

When an appositive (or a description) itself contains commas, using an em dash can make the sentence clearer to your reader.

The em dash is used to signal an interruption.

The New York Times

The learning network | skills practice | using dashes effectively.

Skills Practice | Using Dashes Effectively

Academic Skills

Teaching ideas based on New York Times content.

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When do you use a dash? What is an em-dash? What about an en-dash? Is a dash the same as a hyphen? This versatile piece of punctuation is often misused by writers young and old, but when you learn how to use it wisely, a well-placed dash can add voice and vitality to your writing.

Your Task: Find three examples of dashes being used in the article excerpts below from The New York Times. Copy them down and explain how the dash is being used in each sentence. Is it there to tell the reader to pause? Is it a parenthetical dash? Does it signify disjointedness? Then write your own sentences correctly using dashes.

“Baseline Epics Spur a Debate About Court Speed”

But is grueling, winner-thwarting baseline tennis — no matter how athletically impressive — the way forward, particularly when the megastars are gone? Many in the game have doubts, and there is a push to encourage more variety in play and court speed with an eye on the net and an eye on the clock.

“New Jersey School District Cancels Testing After Exams Are Leaked on the Internet”

Lois Whipple, of the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence, which raises money primarily for grants for teachers, said the situation in the district highlighted the unintended consequences — “bad and good” — that could emanate from reform efforts. “Montclair, like the rest of the country, is involved in a big philosophical, educational, pedagogical divide,” Ms. Whipple said. She also said she was stumped over whether the disclosure of the assessments was an accident, an act of sabotage or something else.”

“A Few Paces From the Race, a Starting Line for Girls in Basketball”

Rich Santiago has two daughters, ages 24 and 12, who play basketball. His older daughter, now a coach at Bloomfield College in New Jersey, was a scholarship athlete at the University of Texas at El Paso but never competed in the Rose Classic. Santiago said the evolution from the time his older daughter began playing and the increasingly competitive climate that the Rose Classic symbolizes has been incredible. “The skill sets are so much higher at a real early age,” he said. “My youngest daughter is so much better than my oldest daughter was when she was 12. You can find training in fundamentals and skills at a real early age — you didn’t have that before.”

“Americans Jailed for Months in Qatar After Daughter’s Death”

“The prosecution has been presenting its evidence without any input from our side,” Alex Simpson, a trial lawyer assisting in the defense of the Huangs, who are from Los Angeles, said in a telephone interview. “You’ve got these people who have been sitting in jail for almost a year, and based on stuff they’re not entirely sure about — where did it come from? We’re going to be explaining to the court our side of the story for the first time.”

“Too Much Shakespeare? Be Not Cowed”

“The side of right and virtue and truth and beauty, of course, the side of the greatest dramatist and poet who ever trod the earth. But let me continue. Of course, bad Shakespeare is boring. But nobody expressed the state of mind known as boredom better than he did. There’s this soliloquy — er, I mean, bit — in “Hamlet” that I’ll read to you now. His frenemies Rosencrantz and Guildenstern ——”

Before You Do the Task, You Might …

Get Some Dash Advice: The Opinionator piece “ Mad Dash ,” by Ben Yagoda, provides advice on when and how to employ the dash:

Dashes are used for two main purposes. The first is what I call the Pause Dash. It more or less says to the reader, “Right here, I want you to take a breath. What you will read next relates to what you have just read in an interesting way, and I would like to emphasize it.” When using dashes this way, you are allowed only one per sentence. The second main category is the Parenthetical Dash, in which dashes are deployed in pairs and set off nonessential elements of the sentence. When using dashes this way, limit yourself to one pair per sentence. (More than that produces confusion about exactly what is meant to be set off by the dashes, as in this sentence from a well-known piece of social criticism: “While an ethic of justice proceeds from the premise of equality—that everyone should be treated the same—an ethic of care rests on the premise of nonviolence—that no one should be hurt.”) In addition, make sure dashes are placed in such a way that, if the material within them is removed, the sentence still makes sense. A third purpose of dashes is to indicate disjointedness. This function shows up in dialogue (“I saw Bill yesterday — wait, is that a helicopter up there? — never mind”), in prose with a stream-of-consciousness quality, and in poetry, and is subject to no rules at all.

Read Mr. Yagoda’s essay, or look over the rules at Grammarly, and become familiar with how dashes are employed in writing.

• Be aware that an em-dash is used to offset parenthetical information or in place of a colon or commas. An em-dash can also be used to signify an abrupt change in thought or that a speaker has been disrupted.
• An en-dash usually replaces “to” between numbers, such as in 9-5pm.
• Don’t confuse dashes with hyphens. Hyphens (-) are used to connect two or more words (and numbers) into a single idea.

Work With a Partner: Before working on your own, try this example together. Read through the excerpt from Brooks Barnes’s “‘Ender’s Game’ Is No. 1, With a Caveat,” paying special attention to the bolded part of the sentence.

Summit Entertainment marketed “Ender’s Game” as “the motion picture event of the year,” but moviegoers — fresh off “Gravity” and looking ahead to “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” — apparently saw through that: “Ender’s Game” took in a so-so $28 million at North American theaters over the weekend, winning the box-office race but probably ending studio hopes of introducing a new film franchise. A Summit spokesman called the total “solid” and “in line with the studio’s preweekend expectations.”

How is the dash being employed in this instance? Jot your answer down on a sheet of paper, then turn and talk to your neighbor. Do you agree? Did you both come up with the same answer? If not, work through it together and see if you can come to an agreement.

In this case, the information between the dashes is being used to offset parenthetical information – that is, information which the writer might put in parentheses. This is called an em-dash .

Above and Beyond:

If you are still confused about how dashes are used differently from hyphens and colons, visit Grammar Girl’s explanation about the different uses for each.

Then, practice using the correct punctuation. Teachers, check out NoRedInk for free grammar exercises that you can customize to your specific class.

This resource may be used to address the academic standards listed below.

Common Core E.L.A. Anchor Standards

1   Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

2   Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

3   Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

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The difference between a prank and bullying has to do with the intent of the person initiating the action. A prank is essentially good natured and sympathetic to the “victim”. Bullying is intended to be damaging and “hurtful”.

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Dashes (Types, How to Use Them, When to Use Them, Grammar Rules)

What are dashes? How do I use dashes in writing? What are the grammar rules that govern the various types of dashes? A dash is a small horizontal line that is used as a punctuation mark in the English language. It resembles the hyphen (a punctuation mark used to separate individual words) in appearance, although it is longer and occasionally higher than the baseline. It is used to denote a pause or a range and is used to divide word groups rather than individual words.

Dash types (em dash and en dash)

The different styles of dashes include the en dash “–”, the em dash “—”, and the horizontal bar “―”. The em dash “—” and the en dash “–” are the two most popular dash forms. These dashes differ not only in their length but also in the function they perform in a sentence . Authors can easily remember the difference between these dashes by remembering the length of the alphabets “M” and “N.”

An em dash , like a comma , a semicolon , a colon , parentheses, and an ellipsis , signifies additional emphasis, a break in the flow of thought , or a sudden shift in direction.

Em dashes, for example, can take the place of parentheses when there are numerous commas in the parenthetical phrase.

Consider the following example:

• After a slight hesitation, Anna jumped up at the dog (or, rather, lunged at it).
• After a slight hesitation, Anna jumped up at the dog—or, rather, lunged at it.

An author can use colons to begin a clause that expands on the text that came before it. Colons are much more formal when compared to dashes. Em dashes, however, are more forceful than colons. Authors typically use em dashes to convey strong emotion or to give their text a more informal tone.

• Anna is terrified of two things: lizards and dancing.
• Anna is terrified of two things—lizards and dancing.

Em dashes are used by transcriptionists and authors to substitute letters that are obscure, censored, or purposefully deleted. Em dashes show up in groups of two or three in these instances.

A former member of the disgraced team, — — —, provided his statement at court today.

At the end of the letter was a fading sentence: “Love you , Anna, from your de— —ted friend.”

“H— — always get on my nerves. All they know is how to cause trouble everywhere they go .”

Some rules for em dashes

There are some important rules that authors should be careful about when using dashes. These include:

Phrases and words between dashes typically do not belong in the subject .

Anna—and her lovely pooch—is always welcome here for the Christmas holidays.

When necessary, dashes take the place of mandatory punctuation.

Without dash: The woman from Manila, Philippines, arrived.

With dash: The woman—she was from Manila, Philippines—arrived.

Spaces around the dash are preferred by some authors and publishers.

Without space: Anna—and her lovely pooch—is always welcome here for the Christmas holidays.

With space: Anna — and her lovely pooch — is always welcome here for the Christmas holidays.

An en dash is slightly shorter than an em dash in length. Despite having a similar appearance to em dashes, en dashes serve a very different purpose. Some common uses of the en dash include:

Indicate a link or connection

A connection or association between two words can be shown with an en dash. Authors typically use en dashes when employing a phrase with two words as a modifier . It is also used for connecting terms that have already been hyphenated. This method of dash usage results in compound adjectives .

Consider the following examples:

• The pro-life–pro-choice debate always sees a high amount of emotional arguments and appeals and ends in heated exchanges.
• The Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian is the keynote speaker for the symposium organized by the charity.

Indicate a range of numbers or span of time

En dashes are frequently used to denote time periods or numerical ranges. The en dash in such sentences is used to represent either “through” or “to.”

• The parent-teacher meeting is scheduled to be conducted on Friday , 11:00-11:30 a.m.
• During the years 2002-2010, Anna lived in Manhattan, New York.
• We expect 25-50 celebrities at the gala.
• The tutor asked me to read pages 10–25 as homework for today.

More punctuation marks (all 26 marks)

In both American and British English, the em dash serves the same purpose. But there is a slight difference in the way the dash is represented in text. In British English, the dash is written as a single hyphen since most computer keyboards do not provide a separate dash.

In American English, the em dash is written with two consecutive hyphens. This is done to avoid any ambiguity that may crop up when a reader is perusing the text.

A dash divides words into parenthetical phrases, whereas a hyphen links two or more words together. While dashes are separated using spaces, hyphens are not separated using them. A hyphen can be used to join compound words when it is grammatically appropriate to do so.

For example, consider the following:

• Compound words that are hyphenated: sister-in-law, seven-year-old.
• Spelled out fractions: three-fifths, one-third.
• Compound adjectives : pet-friendly cafe, well-oiled tool.

In Unicode, the em dash is U+2014. If you are using em dashes in your content, don’t put a space between them. A spaced em dash creates a unique reading flow. Although, a spaced en dash is considered okay .

A double hyphen is not considered a dash. It is its own form of punctuation mark.

• Merriam Webster – dash – Definition
• Wikipedia – Dash
• Grammar Monster – Using Dashes
• Yourdictionary – 3 Types of Dashes and Correct Usage in Writing

Inside this article

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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Dashes in MLA Style and Microsoft Word

The series Microsoft Word and MLA Style shows writers how to use Word to make their essays conform to MLA style guidelines. This post explains how to use dashes in MLA style and Microsoft Word .

Dashes come in two varieties: em dashes and en dashes. Whereas hyphens primarily divide compound words (“a long-standing concern”), dashes divide other kinds of compound structures or indicate breaks in a sentence. They also appear in works-cited lists in MLA publications. But dashes do not appear on standard keyboards. They are special characters. For that reason, it is a good idea to use keyboard shortcuts to insert them in your text. In what follows I provide examples of how the MLA uses dashes and how to access them in Microsoft Word .

Dashes in Your Prose

When you use dashes in your prose, they’re typically em dashes. They’re called that because they’re the width of the letter m . Em dashes—like the ones used in this sentence—separate one portion of the sentence from another. They work like parentheses. MLA style uses en dashes—so called because they are the length of the letter n —in prose after single compound adjectives that are also proper nouns. For example, the phrase “the Academy Award–winning actress” needs an en dash, not a hyphen. Our related post on hyphens and en dashes explains how we use them.

Dashes in the Works-Cited List

In student writing, there is no need to use em and en dashes in the works-cited list. But MLA publications use dashes to enhance readability. Our publications require em dashes in the works-cited list when there are two or more works by a single author. The following provides an example:

Joyce, James.  Finnegans Wake . Oxford UP, 2012. ———.  Ulysses . Random House, 1961.

Three em dashes appear in place of the author before the second work and all subsequent works.

MLA publications use en dashes in the works-cited list to separate numbers in numerical ranges. The following provides an example, in the page range at the end of the entry:

Barchas, Janine. “Sarah Fielding’s Dashing Style and Eighteenth-Century Print Culture.”  ELH , vol. 63, no. 3, 1996, pp. 633–56.

Using Shortcuts in Microsoft Word

The instructions below will work for most versions of Word on either a PC or a Mac. If they don’t work for you, consult Microsoft’s website .

Word has built-in shortcuts for dashes. On a PC, it’s easiest to press Ctrl+- (that’s Ctrl plus the minus sign) for an en dash and  Alt + Ctrl+- (that’s Alt plus Ctrl plus  the minus sign)  f or an em dash. Or  you could use Alt codes: h old down the Alt key  and  press 0150 for an en dash and 0151 for an em dash. Note tha t  you cannot use the number keys  or minus sign  at the top of the keyboard to  insert dashes using the built-in shortcuts or Alt codes on a PC ; you must use the numerical keypad with Num Lock turned on, which you can’t do on a laptop. If you’re using a laptop, you’ll probably want to create your own shortcuts, which I explain how to do below. On a Mac, the built-in shortcut for en dashes is Option+- (that’s the Option key plus the hyphen key), and the shortcut for em dashes is Option+Shift+- (Option, Shift, then the hyphen key).

Users may want to create their own shortcuts for dashes. If you are using Word on a PC, click the following tabs in order: File > Options > Customize Ribbon. At the bottom of the Customize Ribbon box, you should see Keyboard Shortcuts. Click the box marked “Customize.” In the text window labeled “Categories,” scroll all the way to the bottom. Select Common Symbols. In the text window on the right, you will see Em Dash and En Dash. If you select one, you can see if a key combination has already been assigned to it in the window labeled “Current keys.” If one has not, or if you want to change the current keys, enter a combination of keys in the box under “Press new shortcut key.” I have set up my version of Word so that Ctrl+1 creates an em dash and Ctrl+2 creates an en dash.

If you are using  Word  on a Mac, click Insert  > Symbols > Advanced Symbol > Special Characters. You will see a list of special characters, including the dashes, and an option to assign keyboard shortcuts.

On most versions of  Word , AutoCorrect creates dashes automatically in some cases. If I type a word, two hyphens, and another word and then press space, Word  converts the hyphens to an em dash. If I type a word, press space, enter a hyphen, press space, enter another word, and press space one more time, Word converts the hyphen to an en dash.  Our related post on AutoCorrect  explains how to adjust its settings.

10 Comments

Nicole guenther discenza 08 july 2020 at 09:07 am.

The advice here for Mac users is doing it the hard way. You don't need to CREATE shortcuts to get em-dashes and en-dashes in Word for Mac because they already exist: Option-dash gives you an en-dash: –. Option-shift-dash gives you an em-dash: —. I suggest that you replace the more complicated advice given above with these simple notes on the existing shortcuts in Word for Mac.

Your e-mail address will not be published

Joseph Wallace 13 July 2020 AT 11:07 AM

Thanks for your comment and for letting me know about the default shortcut. Some users might want to create even simpler shortcuts, which is why I provided instructions. I prefer Ctrl+1 for em dashes because I use them so often!

Alberto Cacicedo 08 July 2020 AT 10:07 AM

Option-shift-hyphen gives you an em-dash. Much less effort.

Pamela Brandt 20 July 2020 AT 12:07 PM

Another option is to simply memorize the Alt codes. You can type 0151 to make an em dash.

Joseph Wallace 21 July 2020 AT 09:07 AM

Sophie dungan 10 august 2020 at 11:08 pm.

So, are students meant to use en and em dashes when it comes to the Works Cited list or not? Is it preferable or not?

Also, if en dashes are used for page numbers in the Works Cited list, are en dashes then required throughout the thesis' body? (Consistency and all.)

Joseph Wallace 11 August 2020 AT 11:08 AM

Thanks for the question. Dashes are optional in student writing. But if you use en dashes in the works-cited list, it's best to be consistent and also use them in the body of your essay.

Kelly Cook 15 January 2023 AT 11:01 AM

Thank you for this en-dash article. Would you also use an en-dash for a range of poetic lines as you do for page numbers?

Joseph Wallace 18 January 2023 AT 03:01 PM

Thanks for your question. Yes, you can use an en dash in any numerical range, including line numbers in poetry.

Carl Martin 27 March 2023 AT 02:03 PM

The n-dash is definitely under-appreciated. In the case of "single compound adjectives that are also proper nouns," consider how useful it is to refer to, say, the "anti–Iraq War position." Moreover, many publishers in the UK use it to signal a modifier with relational or "non-identical" elements, like "capital–labor." Very useful, too, for a married couple whose surnames have not been legally joined: "the Phillips–Lynde" vs. "the Phillips-Lynde household."

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When to use a dash in a sentence (with examples).

• By Matthew Jones

It’s difficult to find a newspaper article, book, essay, or just about any piece of English writing that doesn’t contain some form of the dash symbol. In English, dashes can signify a number of different meanings. In today’s guide, we will evaluate when to use a dash in a sentence and look at some common examples of dash usage.

What is a dash symbol?

The dash symbol is a form of English punctuation. There are four basic kinds of dashes in the English language:

Figure Dash (-)

En dash (–), em dash (—), swung dash (~).

However, one could argue that there are even more types of dashes. Some sources count hyphens and minus symbols as dashes since they have a similar appearance. Hyphens are used to connect related words, while the minus symbol is used to signify subtraction in mathematics. However, for the purposes of linguistics, neither symbol is categorized as a dash.

When to Use a Dash in a Sentence

As previously mentioned, there are four types of dashes in English. Most dash types can function in multiple ways, which can make it even harder to know how or when to use a dash in a sentence. So, let’s look at the basic functions of the figure dash, en dash, em dash, and swung dash.

The figure dash is the shortest dash in length. It is generally half the length of the standard en dash. A figure dash looks and functions much like a hyphen. You will most often see (and use) the figure dash when writing phone numbers or similar number sequences. For example:

• 404-555-1236
• 667-555-9862
• 899-555-2627

Needless to say, figure dashes are not all that common in standard English writing. However, if you need to write an English sentence with number sequences, you should definitely make use of the figure dash.

The en dash (sometimes written as “N Dash”) is the standard form of dash punctuation in terms of size. It is approximately twice as long as the figure dash and half as long as the em dash. However, it has very limited uses. In fact, you can only use the en dash for a few different purposes:

Range of Values

When used for a range of values, the en dash often replaces words like through , between…and or to . For example:

• Alternative: We will need between 10 and 15 boxes to fit all of our belongings.
• Alternative: The event will take place sometime from August to September.
• Alternative: For your assignment, you will need to read pages 34 through 55 in your textbook.

Contrasting Values

When numbers or names illustrate a contrast, you can use the en dash to express this contrast quickly. For example:

• The judges voted 5–4 in support of the new voting rights bill.
• Arsenal beat Liverpool 3–0.
• The Hatfield–McCoy feud lasted for nearly three decades.

Attributive Compounds

In English, a hyphen is typically used to connect two related words, including compound nouns like Coca-Cola or self-confidence . However, if you need to connect a compound word to another word (compound or otherwise), you will have to use the en dash. For example:

• The Pre–World War II era was a complicated time in the United States.
• The Nobel Prize–winning scientist made an incredible acceptance speech.
• The director used a short–focal length lens to get the shot.

As you can see in all of the examples above, figure dashes and em dashes almost never use spaces. In other words, you should not leave an open space on either side of the dash.

The em dash (sometimes written as “M Dash”) is the longest dash in English. It is twice as long as the en dash and has some of the most unique uses. Unlike most other forms of dashes, em dashes can be either open or closed. This means that you can choose to put a space on either side of the dash or not. Most newspapers and publications use closed em dashes, but the AP Style Guide recommends open em dashes.

You can use the em dash to do all of the following:

• Replace a set of parentheses or commas
• Replace a colon
• Signify an abrupt change or long pause
• Express interruptions in speech or thought
• Quote attribution
• Censorship or redaction
• Precede summaries or definitions

Now let’s look at some em dash examples for each of the functions mentioned above:

Replace a Set of Parentheses or Commas

• Alternative: Nobody knew who (or what) to blame for the accident.
• Alternative: The horse, which had been missing for days, suddenly returned to the pasture.

Replace a Colon

• Alternative: The American flag has three colors: red, white, and blue.
• Alternative: I have three favorite ice cream flavors: chocolate, strawberry, and caramel.

Express an Abrupt Change or Long Pause

*This use of the em dash is typically reserved for situations in which a period is too strong, but a comma is too weak.

• I have never have had a best friend — until you.
• I swear to you — this is the last time I’m helping.
• Nobody wants to eat the food here — even if it freshly made.

Express Interruptions in Speech or Thought

*Closed em dashes are more common when expressing interruptions.

• I meant to tell you that—oh, never mind.
• That’s why I was—wait, who are you?

Quote Attribution

“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” 

— John Lennon

“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

— Dr. Seuss

Censorship or Redaction

• Though the information is classified, the FBI put out a warrant for a man who lives at — — in Memphis.  
• What the —!
• Her name is S — — h J — — n. 

Precede Summaries or Definitions

• The Great Gatsby — The story of Nick Carraway’s interactions with a millionaire named Jay Gatsby and Gatsby’s desire to reunite with his one true love.
• Em Dash — A long dash used in English punctuation.

Though not as common as the previous three dashes, the swung dash is still a necessary part of the English language. The Swung dash is most often seen in dictionaries and academic texts. It is used to omit a word that has already been used. For example:

• Omitted term: glum
• Omitted term: affable
• Omitted term: Mr. Thomas

Figuring out when to use a dash in writing can take time. You will need to practice — ideally with the help of an English tutor! However, you’ll find that the more you write, the more comfortable you feel using different kinds of dashes. Soon, you’ll know when to use a dash in a sentence without giving it a second thought!

We hope you found this guide useful! If you’d like to learn more about English grammar and writing rules, be sure to subscribe to the Magoosh Youtube channel or join our Facebook Group today!

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When to Use a Dash: How and When to Use them in Your Writing

• March 25, 2024

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What is a dash, when is a dash used in writing, the em dash (—), the en dash (-), 1) to show time intervals:, 2) to link compound adjectives., 3) to show a divide or connection:, when to use a dash in a sentence, why are dashes not the same as hyphens, examples of sentences that use dash, using dashes excessively, ignoring additional punctuation, ignoring regularity, using dashes in place of words, faqs on how to use dash in writing, we also recommend.

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.

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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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;

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.

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…

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:

When writing a novel or short story that portrays time, a writer needs to use the en dash.

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.

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.

She is an award-winning sportswoman.

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.

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.

I confused a dash and hyphen for a long time. To help you understand this seemingly mysterious term, we will tabulate the difference.

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;

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.

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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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.

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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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.

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

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Dashes – How to Use Them in Your Sentences

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Dashes, integral to language rules and conventions, are versatile punctuation marks that introduce variety and precision to written communication. They can indicate interruptions, insert additional information, or denote ranges in numbers and dates. Understanding the correct usage of different types — like the em dash, en dash, and hyphen — can greatly enhance the clarity and one’s coherence and style of writing.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Dashes – In a Nutshell
• 2 Definition: Dashes
• 3 Examples of dashes
• 4 Em Dash vs. En Dash
• 5 In academic writing

Dashes – In a Nutshell

• A dash can be used in writing to show additional information, specify definitions and tones, and highlight missing information.
• They can be used in place of commas, semicolons , and parentheses where applicable. However, once you use dashes, avoid introducing these punctuation marks.
• Dashes can be placed in different positions within a sentence, i.e., the beginning, middle, or the end.
• These punctuation marks are used to separate groups of words, not separate parts of a word like a hyphen does.

Definition: Dashes

Dashes, a type of punctuation, are little horizontal lines that float mid-line in a text. It is visually similar to an underscore (_), but underscores are placed at the bottom of the line. It is used to separate a group of words, like commas, to break down the text into two parts. The choice between using a single or a pair of dashes, and whether to use an en or em dash, varies with style guides. This reflects that their use is a matter of style, influenced by different rules in publications or academic writing . They are particularly useful for making additional information within a sentence, or, to clarify the sentence structure .

Examples of dashes

Here are some examples to illustrate the different types:

He likes to go to the beach – the breeze makes him calm.

Although these punctuation marks can be used in different parts of a text body, there are some common mistakes you should avoid. For example:

x You should not use a dash with a comma . x A common grammatical error is a failure to correctly space words before or after dashes.

She saw her sisters— all five of them—, standing in front of the building.

x Incorrect spacing of the first dash has resulted in a hyphen rather than a dash, which is similar to a hyphen, but a hyphen is shorter and is used to space words.

Many years ago – about five or so – I saw the importance of insurance.

Em Dash vs. En Dash

There are two types of dashes used in writing with specific and distinct purposes, which are oftentimes interchangeably used with hyphens. Here’s how they differ:

The em dash (—)

The em dash (also called the “common dash”) is approximately as long as the letter m and is longer than the en dash. They often highlight extra information that is not relevant to comprehending the sentence. For this function, parentheses , and commas can also be used.

He fears two things—snakes and his ex-wife.

It is generally acceptable to write an em dash without spaces on either side, though some style instructions may require spaces. However, ensure your spacing is consistent throughout your work.

An Em dash can also be used to illustrate censored or redacted information. Some quoted documents may also have missing parts, and the little line is used to represent the missing information.

A frustrated engineer in the tech company ———spoke to the journalist.

The en dash (–)

The en dash is slightly shorter than the em dash, approximately the same length as the letter n. En dashes are used to show a range or a specific period. They can be used in place of “to” or “through” in a defined class.

The Bubonic Plague (1346–1353) was one of the deadliest pandemics in history.

An en dash can also connect two words in a phrase.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning artist will be performing in the auditorium tonight.

Note that in cases where a range is denoted by the phrases “from…. to…” and “between….and…”, retain the “and” phrase rather than introducing an en dash.

x The boys were between 16-21 years old.

✓ The boys were between 16 and 21 years old.

In academic writing

Dashes are used in academic writing in several instances, which include:

To set off material for emphasis

The original database had become inaccessible – years of ongoing problems had wiped out half of the memory.

To introduce a brief list within a sentence

The young soldier checked his supplies—flashlight, food, and ammunition—to the shelter where he stood guard every night.

To define a word

Leverage — use borrowed capital for (an investment), expecting the profits made to be greater than the interest payable.

To mark a change in tone

She proceeded to open the door – and gasped in shock when she saw the man in the rain.

How do you use dashes in a sentence?

A dash is mainly used to introduce more information in a sentence. Most of the time, they highlight extra information that is not crucial to understanding the main sentence’s gist.

Is there a difference between a dash and a hyphen?

A single dash is commonly used to alert a reader to extra information in a sentence. A single hyphen, however, is shorter and is used to separate words in compound word structures.

What is the difference between an em dash and an en dash?

An em dash is as long as the letter m and is used to show the beginning of the extra part of a sentence. The en dash is the same length as the letter n and is used in writing to show a range of numbers.

Can I use dashes with commas?

No, you cannot. It is grammatically wrong to use any type of dash with commas, as it leads to repetition and redundancy in your punctuation.

What are the common types of dashes?

There are two kinds of dashes:

En Dash (-) to indicate ranges or to denote a connection or contrast between two things. Em Dash (—) to set off a parenthetical element within a sentence for emphasis, an abrupt change in thought, or to introduce an item or list.

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How to Insert Dashes in Essay Writing. Basic Rules of Grammar

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Em Dash (—)

En dash (–).

Dashes are used in a sentence to determine the natural pause without shifting the tone. Dashes can also substitute parentheses in informal writing. Please note that em dashes and en dashes are not typically reserved for academic writing. In essay writing and business writing, dashes are usually replaced with commas or colons. A space should never be put before or after em dashes and en dashes.

The en dash equals the length of the letter n, while the em dash equals the length of the letter m. The en dash (–) in a sentence implies a range, while the em dash (—) is used to separate parts of the sentence or indicate a pause. The en dash can also act as an em dash. In this case, a space should be put on either side. Writers need to make sure they understand the difference between a hyphen (-) and a dash (–). Hyphens are used to form adjectives and combine words. Hyphens cannot be used to replace a dash.

Em dashes can be used to highlight information that is not important for the meaning of the sentence. Such information can be skipped or omitted without altering the context. In this case, em dashes act as commas with no space used on either side of them. Em dashes can also indicate a sudden change or display hidden information. If the unexpected change or interruption appears in the middle of the text, a second dash needs to be added to denote the end of the clause.

• ✔️ Last month—if I remember correctly—he was given the promotion.
• ✔️ That week—and it was July—he agreed to the proposal of the company.

Em dashes can also be used for emphasizing certain parts of the sentence. A closing dash is added to complete the sentence:

• ✔️ The only way—and I mean it—was giving them what they wanted.
• ✔️ It was an exception— and it was unbelievable—but the people agreed.

Em dashes can be used to set off a phrase in complex sentences. Below, you will see some of the common examples of using an em dash with complex structures:

• ✔️ A black sweater—no matter the material, the age, and the price—will improve the outfit.
• ✔️ This wonderful piece—ornamented with gold, silver, and jade—is going to serve them well.

Em dashes are used to complete the sentence when other punctuation devices are not working. For example, em dashes can act as a replacement of parentheses or commas. Instead of putting multiple commas in a sentence, you can use an em dash as a substitute:

• ✔️ After a momentary pause, the neighbor touched the paper—or, rather, lifted it.
• ✔️ After being exposed to such misery, he was relieved to be home—or, rather, in his room.

In some cases, colons and dashes can be interchangeable. However, colons are often considered more formal than em dashes. They are generally used as amplifiers of the clause that appears before the colon. Em dashes are used to emphasize certain parts of the sentence. They can also add a more relaxed tone to the context compared to colons.

You can also insert dashes to substitute the words that have been omitted, skipped, or censored for unknown reasons. The censorship may be deliberate or unintentional. If this is the case, two em dashes need to be inserted:

• ✔️ Mr. —— does not care about our reputation: he is a fool.
• ✔️ Laura —— was invited as a witness and arrived shortly.
• ✔️ The letters were obscure: “This was created for my —— kid”.
• ✔️ A secretary of the state, ——, denied the accusations.

Em dashes can also be used to create strong pauses in a sentence or an academic context. They can have an emphatic meaning, enclose the word, or can be used separately. Some essay writers insert em dashes to add information as an afterthought. It may or may not affect the overall meaning of the sentence. Em dashes can indicate a shift in tone or an emphatic pause.

En dashes are shorter than the em dashes. Although they may share similarities with the em dashes, they have an entirely different role in a sentence. Where em dashes have an emphatic effect, en dashes determine time and numbers. In this context, en dashes act as a substitute for the words “to” and “through”. Instead of using “to” and “through” in a sentence, en dashes are placed for a more structured text:

• ✔️ The students were given pages 23–26 to read in class.
• ✔️ The meeting was focused on the goals of 2020–2021.

The en dash is also used to connect two words in a sentence. If you need to link words that have been written with a hyphen, an en dash is going to help you out. Phrases that contain two words can be used as modifiers. An en dash needs to be used to prevent confusion. Dashes help clarify the context of the sentence and render the meaning to the readers.

The Em Dash and Its Role in Academic Content: Punctuation Tips

Hyphens and Dashes in Academic Texts: How to Use Them Correctly

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What Are Em Dashes ( — ) And How Do You Use Them?

• What Is An Em Dash?
• Why Is It Called Em Dash?
• When To Use Them
• How To Use Them
• Try Grammar Coach

An em dash is a punctuation mark that can be used to replace commas, parentheses, colons, and semicolons. In general, the em dash is seen as being more interruptive or striking than other punctuation, so it is often used stylistically to draw a reader’s attention to a particular bit of information. The em dash resembles a horizontal line (—) that is longer than both a hyphen (-) and an en dash (–).

What is an em dash ?

Why is it called em dash .

The name comes from typography—the work of setting, arranging, and printing types. An em dash is a dash that is the width of an M .

✏️ Examples of an em dash in a sentence

The following sentences show different ways that we can use an em dash. As you read each sentence, try to see if you can figure out what other punctuation mark was replaced by an em dash.

• After days of deliberation, the jury came to its final verdict —not guilty .
• I think something might be wrong with Jeff —he thinks he is a squirrel.
• I love kittens —who doesn’t?— but that doesn’t mean I want to adopt 50 of them.
• It turns out that Mr. Green —a man I always suspected— was the true culprit.

When do you use an em dash?

Rather than have its own unique usage, the em dash is typically used in place of several other punctuation marks: the comma, the colon, the semicolon, or the parentheses. In general, it is not considered to be grammatically correct or incorrect to use an em dash over any of the punctuation marks or vice versa. However, the em dash is usually viewed as being more informal than these other punctuation marks, so writers will often use em dashes sparingly but effectively when they want to draw a reader’s attention.

We can use an em dash, or multiple em dashes, in place of commas that set off additional information or asides . Em dashes are typically seen as more attention-grabbing than commas, so they are especially useful to focus a reader’s attention on surprising or unexpected information.

The following example shows how the same sentence can use either commas or em dashes:

• Jimi Hendrix , a master guitar player if there ever was one, was left-handed.
• Jimi Hendrix —a master guitar player if there ever was one— was left-handed.

Em dashes are especially useful for clarity if the additional information that would normally be set of by commas has additional commas itself:

• It turned out that the three sisters , Alexa, Siri, and Cortana, were actually robots.
• It turned out that the three sisters —Alexa, Siri, and Cortana— were actually robots

Parentheses

Em dashes can replace parentheses that contain interruptions or commentary . In general, em dashes are much more likely to be used this way in informal writing.

• The plan was devised by Ryan (my archnemesis!) , so it will obviously fail.
• The plan was devised by Ryan —my archnemesis!— so it will obviously fail.
• It’s crazy that echidnas are mammals when they lay eggs. (Don’t even get me started on those platypuses!)
• It’s crazy that echidnas are mammals when they lay eggs —don’t even get me started on those platypuses!

Ready to test your punctuation skills? Quiz yourself on hyphens, en dashes, and em dashes.

An em dash can replace a colon that introduces additional information at the end of a sentence. Again, this is often done to draw a reader’s attention.

• After his long journey, Gawain finally found out what was in the lockbox : nothing!
• After his long journey, Gawain finally found out what was in the lockbox —nothing!
• The Narrator finally realized the truth : Tyler Durden wasn’t real.
• The Narrator finally realized the truth —Tyler Durden wasn’t real. 

An em dash can replace a semicolon that connects two independent sentences .

• The dark secret was kept in a journal ; that journal would never be found. 
• The dark secret was kept in a journal —that journal would never be found.

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How to use an em dash

Grammatically, the main thing to keep in mind about the em dash is spacing. Most grammar resources and style guides advise not to put any spaces before or after an em dash. For example,

• We tried Steve’s idea —an idea I thought was terrible— and it somehow worked.

However, other style guides and many newspapers will often put a single space before and after an em dash. For example,

• The prime minister — and her allies in the parliament — pushed for tax reform.

If you use a style guide, it is best to check what the rules of em dashes are and follow them. If you don’t use a style guide, you should remain consistent regardless of what type of spacing you use.

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Not sure if you’re using the hyphen, en dash, or em dash correctly? Check your writing on Thesaurus.com’s Grammar Coach ™. This writing tool uses machine learning technology uniquely designed to catch grammar and spelling errors. Its Synonym Swap will find the best nouns, adjectives, and more to help say what you really mean, guiding you toward clearer, stronger, writing.

Now dash over to read our primer on hyphens!

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A Complete Guide to Using a Hyphen in Writing

• By  Mike Fisher
• May 27, 2024
• Punctuation

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Welcome to our comprehensive guide on using a hyphen in writing. While they may seem small, mastering the correct use of hyphens can significantly enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

Many writers confuse hyphens with dashes, often using dashes when they should use hyphens, and vice versa. As proofreaders, ensuring the correct use of hyphens and dashes is part of both general and academic proofreading etiquette .

In this guide, we’ll delve into what a hyphen is and its distinction from dashes. We’ll provide practical tips on how to use each effectively and we’ll explore two types of dashes and give examples of them in context.

Moreover, we’ll show you a trick to typing the two dashes, saving you from copying and pasting them into a Word document.

What Is a Hyphen?

At its core, a hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark used primarily to join words and to separate syllables of a single word. It’s a versatile tool that aids in clarity and readability, preventing ambiguity in written communication.

Is a Hyphen a Dash?

Hyphens, em dashes, and en dashes serve distinct purposes in writing. A hyphen is shorter than both dashes and is primarily used to join words or parts of words. En dashes, slightly longer than hyphens, represent a range or connection between two things, such as numbers or destinations. Em dashes, which are longer than en dashes indicate a sudden break in thought or set off parenthetical phrases. Unsurprisingly, many writers confuse en with em dashes .

We use non-spaced en dashes (–) in the following situations:

• For ranges of numbers or dates (e.g., 10–50, 1939–1975)
• For sports scores (e.g., FC Barcelona won the game 3–1; the New York Rangers and the Dallas Stars tied 2–2)
• To indicate conflict or connection (e.g., mother–daughter relationship, brain–blood barrier) 
• Compound adjectives that already include an open compound (e.g., Ming Dynasty–style furniture).

We use spaced en dashes to set off parenthetical information in British and Australian English. For example:

The participants – students from various countries – completed the survey.

To type an en dash in Windows, hold down the Alt key and type 0150 on the numeric keyboard. If you don’t have a numeric keyboard, you can go to Insert > Symbol , and select the dash you need if you’re working in Word.

The non-spaced em dash (—) is slightly longer than an en dash. It sets off parenthetical information in US English:

We saw several animals in the wilderness—a moose, a beaver, and a mink.

Em dashes also set off interrupted dialogue in fiction writing. For example:

“Hey, can you give me a hand?” Brody’s voice sailed from the basement. “I think I’m gonna fa—.”

To type an em dash in Windows, follow the same steps as typing an en dash, but type 0151 instead of 0150. You can also use a similar shortcut for typing dashes in Mac .

How to Use a Hyphen

Now, we’ll look closely at using hyphens for certain situations, including compound words and hanging hyphens.

Compound Words

We form compound words by joining two or more words to form a new word with a distinct meaning. Hyphens are used in various scenarios within compound words, including:

• Compound adjectives: When two or more words work together to modify the following noun, they are hyphenated: a well-known author, high-quality products.
• Prefixes: Hyphens are often used with specific prefixes to avoid confusion or ambiguity, especially when two vowels collide: re-evaluate, pre-owned.
• Numerals and words: Hyphens are used when numbers are spelled out with multiple words: thirty-five, twenty-one.

Compound Nouns

Compound nouns can be written as closed (e.g., mailman), open (e.g., coffee table), or hyphenated (e.g., well-being, son-in-law).

It’s worth pointing out that US English uses fewer hyphens. As such, the hyphenation of compound nouns can vary according to dialect, so check an appropriate dictionary to ensure that you’re correctly hyphenating words or terms.

Some compound words don’t require hyphens because the phrase is commonly known. Since there is no risk of confusion, there’s no need for a hyphen. For instance:

Chocolate chip cookie

We wouldn’t add a hyphen between chocolate and chip because one wouldn’t read this as a chip cookie that is being described as chocolate . This is also why the comparatives more and less (and superlatives most and least ) do not take hyphens.

Here are some more examples:

• Real estate management
• Computer software developer
• Public school teacher
• Integrated circuit design
• Less annoying sibling

Compound Adjectives

Compound adjectives occur when more than one word is used to describe a noun. We insert a hyphen between adjectives. For example:

• Long-term plans
• 24-hour clock
• 15-inch screw
• One-size-fits-all solution
• Six-sided four-seater table

Adverbs (which typically end in -ly ) do not require hyphens, as they describe the verb, not the noun. For instance:

• A quickly written letter
• Suddenly appearing monsters

Noun Vs. Verb

Some word pairings are treated differently depending on whether they are being used as a verb or a noun. Sometimes, you will find a hyphenated compound noun/adjective and an unhyphenated verb form. For example:

• Check in (verb) : I’m going to check in with my boss.
• Check-in (noun) : The hotel offered a quick check-in.
• Check-in (adjective) : They had lost their check-in details.

Hyphenation can vary depending on dialect and style guide, so we suggest looking it up if you haven’t used the term before.

Compound Modifiers

Compound modifiers are phrases composed of two or more words that work together to modify a noun. Hyphens are crucial for ensuring clarity and preventing misinterpretation. A compound modifier might include an adjective and/or a noun, but they are all still compound modifiers. When an adjective and a noun are used together as a single modifier, they are hyphenated:

fast-paced environment

time-saving technique

Other examples of hyphenated compound modifiers include:

• Fast-growing industry
• Well-known artist
• City-wide celebration
• Dog-friendly park

Hanging Hyphens

Hanging hyphens , also known as suspended or suspensive hyphens, are used when a prefix or the first part of a compound adjective is shared among multiple words connected to the same noun. They can also be used in the same way for a suffix or the second part of a modifier, although this is far less common. In short, hanging hyphens help avoid redundancy and thereby improve readability.

Here are some examples:

• Pre- and post-prandial blood sugars
• Long- and short-term plans
• 12th- and 13th-century history

Rules for hyphenating prefixes and suffixes vary, so you should check an appropriate dictionary or style guide. There are, however, some general guidelines:

• Use a hyphen with a prefix before a proper noun or numeral: Pre-Elvis rock and roll, mid-20th century.
• Use a hyphen with repeated prefixes (whether to hyphenate the second prefix or make it part of a noun depends on the dictionary or style guide): ultra-ultra-wide monitor or ultra-ultrawide monitor; sub-sub-paragraph or sub-subparagraph.
• Use a hyphen with a prefix to avoid confusion with another word: recreation vs. re-creation, coop vs. co-op unionized vs un-ionized.

Generally, we don’t use hyphens with most common suffixes:

Businesslike

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How to Write an Explanatory Essay

• Smodin Editorial Team
• Published: May 24, 2024

A study from the English Language Teaching Educational Journal found that students encounter difficulty in organizing thoughts, generating ideas, and understanding writing processes when writing essays [1]. These are all key components of putting together a good explanatory essay. If this sounds like you, then don’t worry.

With the right approach, you can seamlessly combine all these components. This guide will give you a simple step-by-step strategy for writing an explanatory essay. It’ll also give you handy writing tips and tool suggestions, like utilizing artificial intelligence.

With this guide, you’ll be able to write an explanatory essay with confidence.

1. Develop a strong thesis statement

Crafting a strong thesis statement is the cornerstone of any well-written explanatory essay. It sets the stage for what your essay will cover and clarifies the main point you’re going to explain. Here’s how to create a thesis:

• Find the main idea : Start by pinpointing the key concept or question you want to explain. Develop a clear purpose for the essay. This will guide your research and writing process for your explanatory paper. Use other reputable explanatory essay examples to guide your ideas. This may involve exploring other explanatory essay topics within the same field.
• Be specific : A vague thesis can confuse readers. So, make sure your statement is clear. If you’re explaining a complex process, break it down to its key points. After that, break it into a clear, concise statement that’s easy to understand.
• Reflect objectivity : Explanatory essays educate and inform. They do not argue a point. So, your thesis should take an unbiased stance on the topic. It should present the facts as they are, not as you interpret them.
• Use tools like the Smodin Writer : Smodin Writer does all the heavy lifting by leveraging the power of artificial intelligence. With it, you can generate an essay with a thesis statement. How, you ask? Through its dedicated thesis generator . It can create a statement that’s both strong and relevant. Plus, it can pull in all the most interesting information based on your topic to further enrich your thesis statement.

Make your thesis clear, informative, and neutral. This sets a strong foundation for an effective explanatory essay. Next, let’s look at how to gather the information you’ll need to support this thesis effectively.

2. Research and gather information

You need to conduct thorough research that will back your thesis with credible sources and relevant evidence. This will make your explanatory essay both informative and persuasive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting effective research:

• Start with a plan: Put together an explanatory essay outline that includes the information you need to support your thesis. The plan should list the best sources, like academic journals, books, reputable websites, or scholarly articles.
• Use credible sources: They ensure the accuracy of your essay. Libraries, academic databases, and certified websites are excellent places to find trustworthy information.
• Seek detailed information: Look for the most current sources that explain your topic well and provide unique insights related to or opposing your thesis statement. This depth is crucial for explaining complex ideas clearly and thoroughly in your explanatory papers. Pay attention to the explanatory essay structure to guide your topic of choice (more on this later).
• Gather relevant evidence: Collect data, stats, and examples. They should directly support your main points. Make sure this evidence is directly related to your topic and enhances your narrative.
• Employ digital tools: Tools like Smodin’s Research Assistant can accelerate your research process. Smodin’s tools can help you find detailed information quickly, ensuring that the data you use is up-to-date and relevant.
• Document your sources: As you conduct research, keep a meticulous record of where your information comes from. This practice will help you make an accurate bibliography. It can save you time when you need to refer back to details or verify facts. Again, this is something that’s covered thanks to Smodin’s Citation Machine.
• Evaluate your findings: Critically assess the information you collect. Ensure it provides a balanced view and covers the necessary aspects of your topic to give a comprehensive overview of your essay.

By following these steps, you can gather a rich pool of information that provides a strong backbone for your explanatory essay. Now, you can start structuring your findings into well-organized body paragraphs.

3. Structure body paragraphs

Once you’ve gathered relevant evidence through thorough research, it’s time to organize it. You should put it into well-structured body paragraphs that follow a logical flow. Here’s how to structure each body paragraph for a strong explanatory essay:

• Decide how many paragraphs to use : It will depend on your topic’s complexity and the needed detail. Typically, three to five paragraphs are suitable, but longer essays may require more. An explanatory essay example on your topic of choice will be helpful.
• Start with a topic sentence : Each body paragraph should begin with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. This sentence will act as a roadmap for the paragraph, giving the reader a sense of what to expect.
• Provide supporting evidence : After the topic sentence, share the evidence from your research. Ensure the evidence is relevant and directly supports the paragraph’s topic sentence.
• Give a detailed explanation : Follow the evidence with an analysis or explanation that ties it back to the thesis statement. This step is crucial for maintaining logical flow throughout your body paragraphs.
• Use linking words : They connect body paragraphs smoothly, ensuring the reader can follow your argument.
• End each body paragraph with a closing sentence : It should sum up the point and move to the next idea.

Following this structure will help your body paragraphs support your thesis. These paragraphs will also offer a clear, detailed explanation of your essay topic. Strong body paragraphs are essential to maintain objectivity in your writing.

4. Maintain objectivity

An explanatory essay aims to inform and educate, which makes maintaining objectivity crucial. Staying neutral lets readers form their own opinions based on facts. This ensures the writing is both reliable and informative. Here’s how to maintain objectivity:

• Avoid personal opinions: Your goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Refrain from injecting your personal opinion or biases. Instead, stick to presenting factual information that supports the thesis.
• Use relevant evidence: As mentioned, ground your arguments with relevant evidence from credible sources. Back up your main points with data and use research findings and verified details. This will make the explanatory article trustworthy.
• Provide a balanced view: In cases with multiple perspectives, offer a balanced view. Cover each side fairly. Even if one view prevails in consensus, acknowledging others gives readers a broader understanding.
• Adopt neutral language: Be careful with word choice and tone. Neutral language implies words that don’t encourage or illustrate bias. This helps avoid emotionally charged phrases and keeps the writing objective.
• Cite sources accurately: Proper citation of sources provides accountability for the evidence presented. This transparency builds credibility and shows you’ve conducted research thoroughly. It’s also worth noting that different intuitions have different citation styles like APA and Chicago, which is important to note before starting your essay.
• Review for biases: After drafting your essay, review it with an eye for biases. Ensure no part leans too much on one viewpoint. And, don’t dismiss an opposing perspective without cause.

Maintaining objectivity enhances the clarity and reliability of explanatory writing. Let’s now focus on crafting an introduction and conclusion that bookend your work effectively.

5. Craft an effective introduction and conclusion

A good introduction and a strong conclusion frame your explanatory essay. They give context at the start and reinforce the main points at the end. Here’s how to craft an effective introduction and conclusion.

In the introduction:

• Hook your reader in the introduction : Use an interesting fact, a compelling quote, or a surprising statistic.
• Provide background information : Be brief and offer only the essential context the reader needs to fully understand the topic. This should give the audience a foundational understanding before diving deeper into your main points.
• Include the thesis statement : Clearly state your thesis near the end of the introduction. This statement will outline the essay’s direction and give readers a preview of the body paragraphs.

In the conclusion:

• Summarize the key points : Start your explanatory essay conclusion with a summary. It should cover the main points from the body paragraphs. This summary should help readers recall and reinforce the information they’ve just read.
• Restate the thesis : Repeat your thesis again but in a new way. Explain how the evidence from the body paragraphs supported or clarified it.
• Provide a conclusion : End the essay with a statement that wraps up the argument. This statement should resonate with the reader. It should leave them with an impression that stresses the topic’s importance.

An effective introduction and conclusion give the essay structure and coherence. They guide readers from start to finish. The next step is revising and editing your entire essay for clarity and precision.

6. Revise and check clarity

Revising and editing are key in writing. They make sure your essay is clear, joined, and polished. Here’s how to refine your writing using an explanatory essay checklist and proven academic writing techniques:

• Take a break: Before diving into revisions, step away from your essay for a few hours or even a day. This break will help you return with fresh eyes, making it easier to spot errors or inconsistencies.
• Follow an essay checklist: Create or use a checklist to ensure your essay has all the needed parts. It needs a strong intro with a clear thesis, well-structured body paragraphs, good sources, and a short conclusion. Check that your arguments follow a logical flow and that all relevant evidence is directly linked to your thesis statement.
• Check for clarity and conciseness: Academic writing needs clarity. So, make sure each paragraph and sentence conveys your point. Don’t use unnecessary jargon or overly complex language. Keep sentences concise while maintaining detailed explanations of your main points.
• Verify facts and citations: Make sure all facts, data, and quotes in the essay are accurate. Also, check that they are cited in the required academic style (e.g. MLA, APA). Improper citations can undermine the credibility of your writing.
• Review the grammar and style: Look for common grammar mistakes, punctuation errors, and awkward phrasing. Reading the essay aloud can help catch odd sentence structures or confusing wording.
• Seek feedback: Share your essay with a peer or use online tools to get constructive criticism. A second perspective can highlight issues you might have missed.

These editing steps will help you produce a polished essay that clearly explains your main points and holds up to academic scrutiny.

Explanatory Essay Format

Understanding the explanatory essay format is key to a well-structured and logical paper. Here’s a basic breakdown of the format for an explanatory essay:

Introduction paragraph

• Begin with an interesting sentence to capture the reader’s attention.
• Give a short intro. It should set the topic and outline the essay’s purpose.
• Present a clear thesis statement summarizing the main idea of the entire essay.

Body paragraphs

• Organize the body paragraphs around logical subtopics related to the essay topic.
• Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that aligns with the thesis.
• Show evidence from good sources. Also, give key details for each main point.
• Incorporate a robust concluding statement per paragraph that drives home your point and links to the ideas in the next paragraph/section.
• Summarize the key points.
• Provide a final statement that reinforces the main idea without introducing new information.
• Craft a concluding statement that leaves your teacher or professor with a lasting impression.

Following this essay outline ensures that your paper has a clear flow. This makes it easy for readers to understand and follow your argument.

Write Better Explanatory Essays With Smodin

Explanatory essays can be overwhelming. Presenting a solid argument, keeping your professor or teacher interested, and remembering conventions like citations can be a real headache.

But, a strong thesis and thorough research make them easier. Well-structured body paragraphs also help deliver a clear, insightful essay that maintains objectivity. Just remember to revise and check for accuracy!

AI-powered platforms like Smodin simplify and enhance the process of writing explanatory essays.

Smodin’s tools help craft clear and well-structured essays that meet any of your academic standards. With Smodin’s advanced research capabilities, you can gather detailed and relevant information quickly. This will save you time and improve your work.

• Plagiarism Checker : Ensure your essay maintains originality with Smodin’s plagiarism detection tool. This feature helps maintain academic integrity by checking your work against vast databases.
• Auto Citation : Cite your sources accurately without the hassle. Smodin’s auto-citation tool ensures your references are in the right format and meet your academic institution’s rules.
• Text Shortener : If your explanatory essay is too long, use Smodin’s AI writer as an essay shortener. It will help you cut your content without losing key details. This helps keep your essay clear and relevant.
• Text Rewriter : Helps paraphrase existing content, ensuring uniqueness and a fresh perspective.
• Summarizer : The Summarizer boils down long articles into short summaries. They are perfect for making an efficient outline or conclusion.

Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay generator.

Essays are written due to various reasons and purposes. Some of the authors want to inform, some want to expose while some want to persuade. However, in descriptive essay writing , the essayist composes for the sake of displaying a picture out of his/her describing words. It may sound easy and simple but don’t be deceived, there are still more to learn. Read through this article to get hold of significant and beneficial new knowledge.

What is Descriptive Essay? A descriptive essay is a type of writing that aims to vividly describe a person, place, object, or event. In this type of essay, the writer uses sensory details such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to create a clear and vivid image in the reader’s mind. The goal of a descriptive essay is to evoke a strong emotional response or create a vivid impression of the subject being described.

Descriptive Essay Format

Introduction.

Hook: Start with a sentence that captures the reader’s attention. This could be a striking fact, a question, or a vivid description. Context: Provide some background information to set the scene. Describe the setting, the situation, or the object of the essay. Thesis Statement: End the introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines the main aspects or the overall impression of your subject.

Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or a detail that contributes to the overall picture you are trying to paint. Use the “show, don’t tell” technique by employing vivid imagery and sensory details.

Paragraph 1: Sight

Topic Sentence: Introduce the aspect of sight. Details: Describe what you see in vivid detail. Use adjectives and adverbs to bring the scene to life. Closing Sentence: Wrap up the paragraph by summarizing the importance of the visual details.

Paragraph 2: Sound

Topic Sentence: Focus on the sounds related to your topic. Details: Describe what can be heard, whether it’s the background noise, a specific sound related to the subject, or the absence of sound. Closing Sentence: Conclude by explaining how the sounds contribute to the overall impression.

Paragraph 3: Smell

Topic Sentence: Highlight the aspect of smell. Details: Describe the aromas and scents. Whether it’s pleasant or pungent, detail how it impacts the scene or the subject. Closing Sentence: Summarize how the smell adds to the depth of your description.

Paragraph 4: Touch

Topic Sentence: Discuss the sense of touch. Details: Describe the textures and temperatures. Explain how something feels to the touch and why it’s important to your description. Closing Sentence: Link the tactile details to the overall experience.

Paragraph 5: Taste (if applicable)

Topic Sentence: Introduce the sense of taste, if relevant. Details: Describe the flavors and the experience of tasting something related to your subject. Closing Sentence: Reflect on how taste enhances the description.

Summary: Briefly restate your thesis and summarize the main points of your essay. Significance: Explain the significance of the subject and the impact it has made on you or the impression it leaves. Closing Thought: End with a final thought or reflection, leaving the reader with something to ponder.

Example of Descriptive Essay

“The Sunset at the Beach” As I walked down the sandy path towards the ocean, the first thing that struck me was the vast expanse of the sea, stretching endlessly towards the horizon. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple. The beauty of the sunset at the beach was a breathtaking spectacle that I had come to witness. Introduction The beach has always been a place of serenity for me, especially during the sunset. The way the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a tapestry of colors, always seemed magical. On this particular evening, the scene was set for a perfect display of nature’s artistry. Body Paragraphs The Vision of the Sunset As I stepped onto the soft, warm sand, my eyes were immediately drawn to the horizon. The sun, a fiery orb, was slowly descending, casting its golden glow across the sky. The clouds, mere wisps earlier in the day, now looked like cotton candy, stained with hues of pink and lavender. The reflection of the sunset on the water added a layer of brilliance to the scene, with the light dancing on the waves as they gently lapped against the shore. The Symphony of the Waves The sound of the waves provided a soothing background melody to the visual spectacle. Each wave crashed against the shore with a rhythm that was both calming and invigorating. In the distance, seagulls called to one another, their cries adding to the orchestral performance of nature. The rustling of the palm leaves in the gentle breeze played a soft, whispering harmony, creating a symphony that only the beach at sunset could offer. The Aromatic Breeze With every breath, the salty tang of the sea air filled my lungs, a distinctive aroma that immediately relaxed my body and mind. There was a freshness to it, a reminder of the vast, untamed ocean before me. Mixed with the faint scent of sunscreen and the earthiness of wet sand, the beach’s aroma was invigorating, grounding me in the moment. The Touch of Nature As I walked along the water’s edge, the cool water washed over my feet, providing relief from the day’s residual heat. The sand, now cooler than the afternoon sun, felt soft and comforting beneath my toes. Occasionally, a stronger wave would rush further up the beach, encouraging me to dig my feet into the sand, feeling the grains shift against my skin. Conclusion The sunset at the beach was not just a visual masterpiece; it was an experience that engaged all the senses. As the sun finally disappeared, leaving behind a sky painted in dark blues and purples, I felt a sense of peace and contentment. The beach at sunset had offered me a moment of beauty, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature. It was an unforgettable scene, etched in my memory, reminding me of the simple, yet profound joys of life.

Descriptive essays generally focus more on visualizing a specific topic of interest. Considering that aspect, showing you what it looks like may be helpful as well. Thus, we cautiously gathered the best samples and templates of descriptive essays for you to rely on, here are they:

Bright Topic Ideas for Your Descriptive Essay

The list of the possible topic ideas for your descriptive essay is limitless. There are a lot of choices to choose from and sometimes, it is really difficult to pick one. If you are being indecisive regarding your topic idea, here are some smart concepts to help you select one.

Descriptive Essay Ideas About People

• Description of your favorite music genre
• Treating a popular villain as a good protagonist
• The right words that would compliment your singing idol
• Why your squad is the best?
• What qualities should your future spouse possess?
• Why your aunt is the best?

Descriptive Essay Ideas About Places

• Why Manila Bay has the best sunset?
• The perfect adjective to describe your hometown
• Details on your recent vacation destination
• Why your favorite coffee shop is worth the visit?
• What makes Paris unique?
• The best description for your workplace

Descriptive Essay Ideas About Things

• Why your wedding ring is the most luxurious?
• The description of your favorite blanket
• What makes your research paper great?
• Description of your proposed food product
• Perfume: more than just the bottle
• Why your bag is great

Descriptive Essay Examples & Templates

Descriptive narrative essay example.

Descriptive Essay Outline Example

Short Essay Plan Example

Biographical Narrative Essay Example

College Narrative Essay Example

Personal Narrative Essay Example

Short Narrative Essay Example

High School Descriptive Essay Example

Free Simple Descriptive Essay Plan

Basic Descriptive Essay Writing Example

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Short Descriptive Essay Example

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Descriptive Essay Structuring Example

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Simple Descriptive Essay Example

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Narrative Descriptive Essay Example

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Descriptive Essay Prewriting Example

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Personal Descriptive Essay Example

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Descriptive Essay Characteristics Example

Descriptive Essay Description Guide Example

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Descriptive Essays about Places Example

Excellent Descriptive Essay Example

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Descriptive Essay Writing Exercise Example

Educational Descriptive Essay Example

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Spring Break Descriptive Essay Example

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Descriptive Essay Sentence Writing Example

Descriptive Essay Paragraph Guidelines Example

Stylish Descriptive Essay Rubric Example

Descriptive Essay Writing Techniques Example

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Free Descriptive Essay Example

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Basic Descriptive Essay Example

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Sample Descriptive Essay Example

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Descriptive Essay in PDF Example

Printable Descriptive Essay Example

Direction Descriptive Essay Example

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Descriptive Essay Scoring Guide

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Professional Descriptive Essay

Descriptive Essay Format Example

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Assignment Descriptive Essay Example

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What are the 4 types of essays?

An essay is an extended piece or composition that shows and supports a thesis or proposition. Essays help the expression of an author’s ideas in various ways. Before composing your own essay, it is important to identify its purpose first, and in doing that, distinguishing its type would be a great beginning. Correspondingly, here are the four different types of essays:

Narrative Essays: to tell

Taking it into its most basic sense, narrative essays are used if the author wants to tell a story about a real-life adventure. This type of essay is expressed in a particular point-of-view. Commonly, it is the author’s viewpoint that is being followed. Moreover, in writing your own short narrative essay , apply realistic emotions and appropriate sensory details to provide your readers with the full taste of your story. By doing this, you are not simply telling them but also engaging them in the story’s sequence and elements. It is also advisable to state verbs as vivid and as precise as possible. The thesis statement of a narrative essay is commonly found in the opening sentence or the last sentence of the introductory paragraph.

Descriptive Essays: to describe

You may confuse yourself between narrative and descriptive essays ; however, differentiating both is really easy. Rather than telling a story, a descriptive essay illustrates a specific topic such as a person, place, experience, emotion, event, etc. by means of words. You don’t simply state your experience in this type of essay; on top of that, you let your reader experience the same thing through your descriptions. In writing your own short descriptive essay , it is important to remember that you are not writing to tell but to show. Using sensory and vivid words is also recommended.

Expository Essays: to uncover and clarify

From its name itself, an expository essay is used to expose something on matters that are known to others. This type of essay is a genre of composition that aims to explain, illustrate, clarify or explicate a certain subject for the readers. Thus, an expository essay could include investigation and evaluation of ideas. This could be derived through comparison and contrast, definition, giving examples, assessment of cause and effect, etc. Moreover, in composing an expository essay, the author set his/her emotions aside for this type of essay is based on mere facts. The first point-of-view is not applied in this essay as well.

Persuasive Essays: to convince

If the expository essays talk about the facts then persuasive essays talk about arguments. The main purpose of a persuasive essay is to win over the trust of the reader to accept your viewpoint, opinion or proposition as the author. In writing a persuasive essay, your opinions should be supported by relevant facts and logical and sound reasoning. Though the essayist should lay all necessary details from both sides of the argument, he/she must comprehensibly explain why one side is correct or more favorable than the other.

Despite essays being categorized into four types, it is also important to know that an essay is not limited to one type only. In some cases,  a narrative essay could also be mixed with a short descriptive essay or a short persuasive essay combined with an expository type. Nevertheless, identifying the purpose of your essay is vital before writing. However, if doing it challenges you, knowing these types is a great substitute.

What Is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

Some people like to watch movies rather than to read books. This is because an actual image is easier to absorb than that on writing. This is why it’s important for a writer to pay close attention to detail. A descriptive essay conclusion should provide the reader with a mental picture of a given matter.

This is especially essential when writing pieces meant for a younger audience, as they have a more imaginative mind than the average adult. A writer must be creative when using imaginative language in order for the reader to properly comprehend what is being portrayed. To do so, the writer should also be knowledgeable about the topic. After all, you don’t want to give your readers the wrong interpretation .

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

A good descriptive essay comes from a knowledgeable and imaginative mind. Thus, in  descriptive writing , it’s important for one to be specific on details. After seeing a few samples that we have shown earlier, here is a step-by-step guideline to help you in composing a descriptive essay worth reading.

1. Choose a topic.

If there is no given topic, it would be great to select one that you are knowledgeable and familiar with. Considering that your whole descriptive essay would revolve on this specific subject, choosing a topic that you recognize would keep everything simpler for you. By doing such, you can freely decide what words are the most appropriate to use; as a result, it will be easier for you to describe your topic. Furthermore, your reader could be meticulous and educated on your subject, so being knowledgeable about your own topic is wise prevention against bad impression.

2. Construct your thesis statement.

Alright, now that you have your own topic already, it is important to know what specific message you want your reader should focus on reading your whole essay. Thus, it is important to always provide a thesis statement , the umbrella sentence of all your ideas. Write this in one concise sentence in your introduction and conclusion. Often, a thesis statement is mentioned in the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.

3. Gather the necessary information and ideas.

Though you are already proficient in your topic, it is still recommendable to research about your specific subject. With this, you are not just gaining new information but also checking the correctness of your knowledge. It would also be great to expand your vocabulary, especially in adjectives and adverbs, since writing one of these involve loads of describing. Moreover, also focus on the sensory words that correspond to sight, smell, taste, sound, and touch of the given subject.

4. Create an outline.

Obtaining all of the significant details, crafting an  essay outline  for your work will allow you to arrange your contents in a rational and chronological order. Also, being educated with different formats in writing an essay would really make a great difference in your composition.

5. Proofread.

After writing your own descriptive essay, it might feel perfect already, but most of the time, it is not. Hence, read your entire work and review if there are any errors pertaining to your grammar and spelling. Furthermore, asking for help from a well-versed friend of yours to conduct a peer-review to your work would be extremely useful.

6. Finalize your composition.

The next thing to do after the editing is to finalize your descriptive essay to its finest version. Make sure that your essay follows a specific format, consisting of the proper  parts of the essay .

Smart Tips for Writing a Descriptive Essay

The fundamentals of the descriptive writing procedures are now given to you; nevertheless, it would always be great to aim for something better. Now, here are some intelligent tips that would make your essay certainly more compelling.

Establish a connection with your writing.

The key to writing a good effective essay  is to have the passion to write it; thus, in choosing your topic it would be great to have a familiar one or a subject that truly makes you curious. Let your interest be the seed of your fruitful composition.

Spend time to think.

In writing your own descriptive essay, let your brain do its job. Do not rush, give yourself an adequate amount of time to ponder on the necessary details that you should include and what approach you should apply. Provide yourself a clear plan of your descriptive essay writing. Moreover, look at your topic from different angles. This will allow you to take a closer look at every detail of your subject.

Apply the word vomit technique.

The word vomit technique or also called as “ free writing ” is the spontaneous use of words without considering any rules. This is a good technique in making a draft of your  starting an essay . It allows your ideas to keep flowing without exerting much effort. Once this is done, you can pick out points that would go well with your essay.

Take a break before finalizing it.

Because right after writing your composition, your thought highly recognizes your word construction; thus, it does not really notice the errors and automatically treats them as correct pieces of your work. Allowing your mind to clear out for a while will make it easier for you to critic your own work. Furthermore, utilizing grammar-checking software is also a splendid move.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a descriptive essay about a place you love to visit and what makes it special.

Describe in a descriptive essay your dream job and what it would be like to work there.