Em Dash (—) When to Use an Em Dash (Long Dash)

Em Dash (—) or ( — ) There are several horizontal marks that may be used in the middle of a sentence—the em dash (long dash), the en dash, and the hyphen. Each has a different function.

Em dash (—) or ( — )

What is an em dash?

The long dash is the widest of the three horizontal marks that may be used in the middle of a sentence. It is wider than an en dash (–) or a hyphen (-).

The term “em dash” comes from the field of typography—an “em” is a width equivalent to the height of a given font. Thus, an em dash in 9-point type is as long as the height of a basic letter in 9-point type.

  • How to type an em dash

Not all fonts and keyboards allow you to produce a long em dash. If it’s not possible to make the long dash, two hyphens may be used instead.

  • Spaces around the long dash

It doesn’t matter whether you put spaces around the m dash–just be consistent.
Don’t do it one way and then the other — that’s distracting for the reader.

When to use an em dash

This punctuation mark has several functions. It may be used just like a colon, to introduce a list or idea. The m dash is less formal than the colon and is generally not used in formal writing.

Examples:

  • Multiple languages are spoken in Canada—English, French, and Native languages.
  • The Jollibee fried chicken chain is active in multiple regions—Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

You can use two em dashes in a way similar to the usage of parentheses—to insert an explanation, an example, or added information in the middle of a sentence.

Examples:

  • Four composers—Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms—make up the bulk of the orchestra’s programming.
  • Sightings of warblers—especially Cape May, Blackburnian, and Cerulean—are highly prized by birdwatchers.

The long dash may be used to emphasize an idea that appears at the end of a sentence. If used this way, it is stronger than a colon.

  • You’d better get ready—my parents will be here any minute!
  • The train is almost full—there are only two seats left. Shall I buy the tickets?

In representing speech, the long dash may be used to show an interruption either by a second person or by the speaker himself or herself.

  • “Susan said she’d meet us at the mall.” —”Really? I just called her, and she didn’t answer.”
  • I’m ready to start school this fall—well, almost ready!

The em dash vs. the en dash and the hyphen

The en dash and the hyphen are generally used in compounds—terms consisting of more than one word. Do not use the long dash in these situations.

Incorrect

  • Several airlines are competing on the Hanoi—Ho Chi Minh City route.

Correct

  • Several airlines are competing on the Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City route.

For more information, see the pages for the hyphen and the en dash.

The em dash (—) long dash Infographic

Em Dash (—) or ( -- ) When to Use an Em Dash (Long Dash)

Rules for Using the Em Dash

5 Useful Long Dash Rules

Rule 1: Does your sentence contain a list that is introduced by a pause in the middle? If so, you can use either an em dash or a colon. The colon is more formal.

There are three types of dashes—the em dash, the en dash, and the hyphen.

Rule 2: Does your sentence contain information in the middle that is secondary to the main idea of the sentence? If so, you can set it off with either em dashes or parentheses. The m dashes are a bit stronger than the parentheses in connecting this material to the main parts of the sentence.

The clock—which was given to me by my grandmother—has to be wound every morning.

Rule 3: Does your sentence have quoted material with an interruption? If so, show the interruption by using a long dash.

“I’m ready to go to the mall now.” —”Wait! Amber just called and said she wants to ride with us.”

Rule 4: Do you want to attribute the source of a quotation in your text? Put an em dash between the speaker’s name and the quotation.

“If you love the law, and you love good sausage, don’t watch either of them being made.”—Unknown

Rule 5: Does your paragraph already have a lot of m dashes? Take some of them out! The m dash is powerful when used correctly, but a lot of em dashes in a paragraph may confuse the reader. Replace them with parentheses or commas, or just start a new sentence.

  • Confusing

The two main tributaries to the Ohio River—the Allegheny and the Monongahela—run through industrial areas and are polluted with chemicals—fluorides, agricultural runoff, and mercury.

  • Better

The two main tributaries to the Ohio River, the Allegheny and the Monongahela, run through industrial areas and are polluted with chemicals—fluorides, agricultural runoff, and mercury.

Em Dash Rules Chart

Rules for Using the Em Dash

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rflagg
rflagg
3 years ago

what kind of dash is used in formal letters to exclude other letters.
Mrs e_______p

OBloodyHell
OBloodyHell
2 years ago

And the 400-yard dash is used when you want to get away from writing!

Marianne
Marianne
2 years ago

Thanks for your help! I’ve been using em dashes when I write articles not knowing how they truly function. This blog’s very helpful! Thanks a lot!

Edward Foster
Edward Foster
1 year ago

This is wonderful information. I have a degree in English and never knew this! Thank you so very much.

Charles A. Lee
Charles A. Lee
7 days ago
Awaiting for approval

Yes, it’s powerful. I once used the em dash to set off a non-restrictive appositive in a submission to the FDA to EMphasize the effectiveness of an old drug in a new usage: something like “The mortality rate among infants was lower than any known previous treatment — seven percent in the high dose group versus seventy percent in the placebo control group.”

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