The hyphen and the dash closely resemble each other, but each is a distinct punctuation mark with its own specific use.
The hyphen (-), the shortest, is used to join multiple words that function together as a single concept, a.k.a. a compound word.
The en dash (–), approximately the length of the letter n, is used to represent the words “to” or “through” when specifying a range.
The em dash (—), the length of the letter m, is used to act as a more emphatic comma, semicolon, or colon.
When to use hyphen?
Compound Numbers - Use a hyphen to type compound numbers containing two digits.
Eg. thirty-six, eighty-five, ninety-nine thousand one hundred twenty-one
Compound Nouns - Many (but not all) compound nouns use hyphens to connect their individual words to create new words.
Eg. singer-songwriter, mother-in-law
Compound Modifiers - A compound modifier (or phrasal adjective) is a compound word used to describe a noun that follows it. Most of the time, compound modifiers are made up of an adjective and a noun or participle. Linking these words with hyphens is necessary so that the reader understands they should be taken together as a descriptor.
Eg. A man-eating shark ( not a man-eating shark), a centuries-old text,
a sign-up sheet
*Like everything in the English language, there are some exceptions to the rule:
If the compound modifier comes after the noun, omit the hyphen.
Eg. The fire is well lit.
If the compound modifier begins with an adverb ending in “-ly,” then the hyphen is unnecessary.
Eg. A strangely dressed individual.
When to use en dash (-)?
To separate ranges of numbers (Eg. class runs from 4–6 pm, the Orioles won 7–4)
To combine related nouns or directional adjectives (Eg. the Detroit–Chicago game, East–West Highway)
When to use em dash (—)?
The em dash exists in English punctuation to separate a phrase or clause from the rest of a sentence. You can use em dashes much as you might use parentheses or commas. The em dash can even be used like a semicolon or colon in the sense that a single dash can set off a phrase at the end of a sentence.
Example Sentences:
Mrs. Robinsons—who taught three generations of my family—is finally retiring.
I bought some supplies—wood, screws, a hammer, and glue—at the hardware store.
I ran into the one person I was avoiding—Mika.
Take note: *The em dash does not require spacing from the words that precede and follow it. However, depending on your preference, you may wish to use spaces before and after the em dash. Either style works so long as you maintain consistency.*
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