How To Use Em Dashes Correctly
To properly use a dash in an english sentence start by identifying which dash you should use.
How to use em dashes correctly. The en dash is longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash and almost exclusively used to indicate ranges of things. In this case it takes a space on either side. Most often these are ranges of numbers or dates and are used. They can be used on their own or in pairs to offset a word or phrase. If you want to include the parenthetical content more subtly use parentheses.
Em dashes set apart parenthetical phrases or clauses in a sentence in this use em dashes are similar to commas and parentheses but there are subtle differences for example em dashes are used when a parenthetical remark contains an internal comma or would otherwise sound awkward if enclosed by commas. Although many people call the hyphen a dash dash refers to another group of horizontal lines in text. En dashes also known as a short dash are used for ranges of values e g. There are three types of dashes in writing used to convey different ideas in an engaging way. They are also more intrusive.
Em dashes are often used to set off parenthetical information. Em dashes are great. The longer em dash is used to separate extra information or mark a break in a sentence. Use one before the parenthetical information and one after it. Place em dashes around non essential information or a list in the middle of a sentence like you would with commas.
Em dashes also known as a long dash are used to make a pause in a sentence followed by a strong point in a situation where using a comma is too weak. But above all be careful to use them thoughtfully. The two most common dashes are the em dash and the en dash. Em dashes so called because they are at least historically the width of the character m are used for emphasis or interruption. Putting spaces before and after an em dash is a matter of preference.
Dashes are considered less formal than parentheses. For this usage make sure you use two em dashes. From 1980 2020 which could also be written as 1980 to 2020. A pair of em dashes can replace a pair of parentheses. Use an em dash but use it wisely.