Hyphens & Dashes

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What is a hyphen?

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A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark used to join words or parts of words, such as in compound adjectives (e.g., well-known).

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What is a dash?

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A dash (—) is a punctuation mark used to indicate a pause or break in a sentence, often to set off information.

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What is the difference between a hyphen and a dash?

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A hyphen is shorter and used for joining words, while a dash is longer and used for pauses or interruptions.

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What is an em dash?

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An em dash (—) is a long dash used to create a strong break in a sentence.

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What is an en dash?

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An en dash (–) is a dash that is slightly longer than a hyphen and is used to indicate a range of values, such as dates.

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When do you use a hyphen?

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Use a hyphen to connect two or more words that work together as a single idea (e.g., mother-in-law).

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When do you use a dash?

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Use a dash to add emphasis or to set off additional information in a sentence.

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What is an example of a compound adjective using a hyphen?

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A well-known author.

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What is an example of using an em dash in a sentence?

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I wanted to go to the park—but it started to rain.

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What is an example of using an en dash in a sentence?

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The meeting is scheduled for 1:00–2:00 PM.