What is an M dash?

The Em Dash: An Introduction

Like commas and parentheses, em dashes set off extra information, such as examples, explanatory or descriptive phrases, or supplemental facts. Like a colon, an em dash introduces a clause that explains or expands upon something that precedes it.

How do you use an M dash example?

Use em dashes in place of commas or parentheses to create a break in a sentence. Examples: Please call my lawyer—Richard Smith—on Tuesday. This sentence could also be written with commas or parentheses.

What is an M dash in Word?

You must use the minus sign (-) on the numeric keypad; if you use the hyphen character on the alphanumeric keypad, Word will change the cursor. Hold down the [Alt] key and type 0151 on the numeric keypad.

How do you type an em dash?

What is the difference between an M dash and a hyphen?

A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that's used to join words or parts of words. It's not interchangeable with other types of dashes. A dash is longer than a hyphen and is commonly used to indicate a range or a pause. The most common types of dashes are the en dash (–) and the em dash (—).

En Dash vs. Em Dash | Grammar Lessons

What do em dashes do?

An em dash is a punctuation mark that can be used to replace commas, parentheses, colons, and semicolons. In general, the em dash is seen as being more interruptive or striking than other punctuation, so it is often used stylistically to draw a reader's attention to a particular bit of information.

What is em dash example?

The em dash is used to show a break in a sentence.

Examples: We could not wait to meet them — we had missed them so much. Please call my supervisor — John Wick — on Friday.

What is the difference between en and em dashes?

The shorter en dash (–) is used to mark ranges and with the meaning “to” in phrases like “Dover–Calais crossing.” The longer em dash (—) is used to separate extra information or mark a break in a sentence.

How long is an em dash?

Depending on the context, the em dash can take the place of commas, parentheses, or colons⁠—in each case to slightly different effect. Notwithstanding its versatility, the em dash is best limited to two appearances per sentence. Otherwise, confusion rather than clarity is likely to result.

How do I type an em dash on a laptop without a numpad?

On a keyboard with no numeric keypad, use a Fn (Function) key combination to type the numbers. (The Fn key is usually to the right of the left-hand Ctrl key on the keyboard.) For example, on a US keyboard layout, the combination for an en dash should be Alt+Fn+mjim and for an em dash it should be Alt+Fn+mjij.

How do you make an m dash?

To create an Em dash, use the shortcut key combination Ctrl + Alt + - . To create an En dash, use the shortcut key combination Ctrl + - . Num Lock must be enabled and you need to use the minus key on the numeric keypad.

How do you make an em dash on a laptop?

Use built-in keyboard shortcuts.

In Microsoft Word: Em dash (—): Alt+Ctrl+ – (minus) En dash (–): Ctrl + – (minus)

How do you use an em dash in the middle of a sentence?

To Indicate an Interruption or Change in Thought

Particularly useful when writing dialogue, an em dash can be used to indicate interjections or changes in thought mid-sentence. This technique is best used in creative or informal writing. Examples: As I was saying—Katie, no, put the scissors down!

Why do authors use the em dash?

It is the doppelgänger of the punctuation world, a talented mimic impersonating other punctuation, but not exactly, leaving space to shade meaning. This space allows different authors to use the em dash in different ways, and so the em dash can be especially revealing of an author's style, even their character.

How do you use an em dash in a story?

Basically when a character is cut off in dialogue (or in some cases, even thoughts), you should indicate that with an em dash. If action interrupts a complete sentence of dialogue, you set it off by em dashes: "You said"--she wrenched open the car door--"that she would be safe!"

Is an em dash professional?

Opting for using a hyphen instead of the en- or em-dash has become a lazy habit of many writers but using en- and em-dashes is easy and results in professionally presented content when used correctly; it's just a matter of getting familiar with the typographical rules, the short-cut keys, and using them!

How do you end a sentence with an em dash?

Use a Pair of Em-dashes to Mark Off an Abrupt Break in a Sentence or One to Emphasize the Text at the End. Depending on the context, an em-dash—so named because its width matches a typesetter's capital M—can take the place of a comma, parenthesis, or a colon in a sentence.

Does em dash have spaces?

Every style guide I checked, except the AP Stylebook, stated there should be no spaces between an em-dash and the adjacent words. That means it is a style choice. If you're writing for a newspaper, magazine, or website that uses Associated Press style, put in the spaces. Otherwise, leave them out.

Is an em dash two hyphens?

On both PCs and Macs, two hyphens (typed with no space before or after either of them) will convert to an em dash—the full-length one that most of us think of when we hear the word “dash.”

What is a 3 em dash?

Create a 3-em dash by entering the em dash three times or six hyphens. You can find the em dash in the symbol drop-down menu in Microsoft Word. Alternatively, press CTRL + ALT + minus key on the numeric keypad, three times. If you're using the proper font (Times New Roman 12), the three dashes will make a solid line.

Are em dashes informal?

The em dash is not informal. You can find plenty of examples in formal writing. Where you won't find it is in informal writing! The teacher is just criticizing your using it in a place where you could either split your sentence into two or use a different type of subordinating construction.

Do you capitalize after em dash?

Don't capitalize the first word after an em dash unless the word is a proper noun.

Can you use a comma after an em dash?

The em-dash does not take comma after it. That's because, as you said it correctly, it replaces a comma so you don't need to put it again. An em-dash may replace commas, semicolons, colons, and parentheses to indicate added emphasis, an interruption, or an abrupt change of thought.

How do you make an em dash on Iphone?

How do you make an em dash and en dash in Word?

Inserting an em or en dash using Ctrl and keyboard shortcuts. To insert an em dash, click where you want to insert the em dash and then press Ctrl + Alt + – (minus sign on the numeric keypad). To insert an en dash, click where you want to insert the en dash and then press Ctrl + – (minus sign on the numeric keypad).