A dash is a punctuation mark used to indicate a short break in the continuity of a sentence, extend sentence structure, or add emphasis, functioning similarly to brackets but with less formality.
The dash, written as — (em dash, used close up to text) or – (en dash, with a space on either side), takes the form of a short line, resembling an extended hyphen (-). The dash indicates a short break in the continuity of a sentence or it is used to extend a sentence. It often serves the same purpose as brackets except that it is usually considered to be much less formal. The dash fulfils various functions, as explained below.
What is a Dash and How is it Used?
The dash can be used to emphasize a word or phrase, as in:
They parted company then—forever.
The dash can also be used to add a remark to the end of a sentence, as in:
They had no money at the end of the month—a regular state of affairs with this extravagant couple.
The dash can also be used to introduce a statement that adds to or explains what has been said, as in:
The burglar took everything of value—paintings, jewellery, silverware and several thousand pounds in money.
The dash can also be used as a linking device to sum up what has gone before, as in:
Famine, drought, disease—these are the seemingly insuperable problems that the villagers are facing.
The dash can also be used to introduce an afterthought, as in:
You can come with me if you like—I’d appreciate your company.
The dash can also be used to introduce a sharp change of subject, as in:
I’ll be with you in a minute—what was that noise?
How to Use Dashes for Sentence Balance and Paired Interruption
The dash can also be used to introduce some kind of balance in a sentence, as in:
It’s going to take at least three of you to get this heavy table out of here—one at each end to carry it and one to hold the door open.
The dash is sometimes found as part of a pair. A pair of dashes can act in a similar way to a pair of round brackets. They can be used to indicate a break in continuity in a sentence, as in:
We prayed—prayed as we had never done before—that the children would be safe.
and (showing a spaced en dash)
We came to the conclusion – after due consideration – that we had done the wrong thing.
What Other Purposes Do Dashes Serve in Sentences?
The dash is also used to indicate a hesitation in speech, as in:
I don’t think—well—maybe—you could be right.
The dash can also be used to indicate the omission of part of a word or name, as in:
The witness, who is being referred to by police simply as Mrs D—, has not yet come forward
and
It’s none of your d— business.
In this last sentence d— is short for damned as a way of not writing a swear word in full. The asterisk is often used in this way.
The en dash can also be used as a replacement for the word to, as a connection between points in time or places, as in:
1850–1900 and London–Paris.
Key Takeaways
- The dash comes in two primary forms: the em dash (close up to text) and the en dash (with spaces on either side).
- Dashes are versatile punctuation marks used for emphasis, afterthoughts, explanations, summaries, and sudden changes of subject.
- A pair of dashes can function similarly to round brackets to indicate a break in sentence continuity, but always remember to include the closing dash.
- An en dash can replace the word to between time periods and locations.
- Dashes should be used sparingly, especially in formal writing, to avoid cluttering the page.
Quick Practice
Test your understanding of punctuation by writing your answers in the comments below:
- Write a sentence using a single em dash to add an emphatic remark or afterthought at the end.
- Write a sentence using a pair of dashes as a substitute for brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an em dash and an en dash?
An em dash is typically used close up to text to indicate a break or emphasis, while an en dash is often spaced on either side or used to connect points in time and places as a replacement for the word to.
Can dashes replace brackets in a sentence?
Yes, a pair of dashes can act in a similar way to a pair of round brackets to show a break in sentence continuity, though dashes are generally considered much less formal.
How should dashes be used to avoid common mistakes?
Make sure not to overuse dashes in formal writing, and always remember to include the second dash when using a pair of dashes to enclose information.