Dashes are versatile punctuation marks that can add clarity and emphasis to your writing. Here's how to space them correctly:
Em Dashes
- Spacing: Em dashes are always surrounded by spaces.
- Use:
- To indicate a sudden break in thought or an interruption.
- To set off parenthetical information.
- Example: "I went to the store — I needed milk — and came home."
En Dashes
- Spacing: En dashes are never surrounded by spaces.
- Use:
- To indicate a range of numbers or dates.
- To represent a connection between two things.
- Example: "The meeting will be held on June 10–12."
Hyphens
- Spacing: Hyphens are never surrounded by spaces.
- Use:
- To join words together to create compound words.
- To create compound adjectives.
- Example: "I bought a self-service coffee maker."
By following these simple rules, you can use dashes effectively to enhance your writing.
