The dash (–) is a versatile punctuation mark that is used both singly (technically referred to as the en dash) and doubly (forming what is technically known as the em dash), sometimes as an alternative to other punctuation marks such as commas, hyphens, and parentheses. It often behaves as an informal version of a colon. Overuse of dashes is to be avoided in formal writing. Note that there are no spaces on either side of the dash.The single (en) dash is used principally to represent a range, as in dates and with other numbers (1939–45, July 12–14, 98–99 percent, pages 401–435). It is also used in place of a hyphen to link elements in which one of them is an open compound (Washington–New York shuttle, post–World War I Europe).Note that when a dash connects numbers there is no need to use from and to or between and and:It is estimated that 300–400 people died in the disaster. Double (em) dashes commonly represent sudden or abrupt changes, often explanatory or digressive in nature. This includes linking statements that may be summaries of what has gone before or afterthoughts:Good health and independence—these are what people value most in old age.
This is disappointing news—but perhaps we should have expected it. On other occasions they are used to introduce lists:These are the things we will need—a harness, rope, and safety hats.
Take three of the girls with you—Emma, Laura, and Charmain. Double dashes may also be used to tack on a word, phrase, or clause at the end of a sentence, usually expressed in an emphatic or contrasting manner:Let's get out of here—fast!
This is the end—or is it? They may indicate a change in subject or continuity:They never gave us the key—can you pick locks?
That is a beautiful dress—but it doesn't suit her. A double dash may be employed to indicate that a word or sentence has been suddenly broken off:They'll never hit me from that dist— Similarly, it can also convey hesitation in speech:She's er—not available at present. She's um—busy right now. A double dash is used in attributing quotations:"There is a tide in the affairs of men." —Shakespeare Double dashes are used in pairs to indicate breaks within a sentence, acting in a similar way to parentheses:I will expect the best room—supposing I come at all—and the use of a car.
This is an unexpected development—not altogether unwelcome—that will require some thought. In many instances, this use of double dashes is in place of commas, in order to avoid the presence of too many commas or a cluttering of punctuation in general:The latest range of vehicles—which includes sedans, all-purpose terrain vehicles, and trucks—looks set to be a big hit with consumers.
My new girlfriend—how is it that none of my girlfriends last more than a week or two?—doesn't speak a word of English. In these cases it should always be possible to remove the material enclosed by dashes and leave the surrounding sentence grammatically intact.
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