"Em dash" is a printing/typesetting term, and it refers to a dash the width of the capital letter "M". The shorter dash is similarly referred to as an "en dash." There is also the hyphen, which is usually smaller than the en dash. With some modern day fonts, there wouldn't be much difference between the en dash and hyphen.
Em dash can be represented numerically using in HTML, or '\u2014' in Java.
En dash can be represented numerically using in HTML, or '\u2013' in Java.
An em dash is the width of an m. Use an em dash sparingly in formal writing. In informal writing, em dashes may replace commas, semicolons, colons, and parentheses to indicate added emphasis, an interruption, or an abrupt change of thought.
Yes, an em dash can replace a semicolon in punctuation to indicate a stronger break or separation between clauses.
Check your keyboard it's between the number zero and the plus symbol at the top right of the regular 105+ US keyboard. This is a hyphen and not a dash. If you use the hyphen key, you must use it twice to make a dash, but this still is not a dash as there is a space between the two hyphens. There are two types of dashes. The en dash and the em dash. The en dash is bigger than a hyphen, but smaller than a em dash. The em dash is what most would want to use. The way to type is as follows: en dash - hold down the "alt" key and type 0150. em dash - hold down the "alt" key and type 0151 - Note the dash used in each of the instructions. The first is an en dash, and the second is an em dash. The character beneath them is a hyphen.
em dash
To indicate a sentence is unfinished.
The em dash is used to indicate a sudden break in thought or to set off a phrase for emphasis. It differs from other punctuation marks like the hyphen and en dash in its length and usage. The em dash is longer and is used to create a stronger break in the sentence compared to the hyphen or en dash.
em dash
First of all, lets talk about the difference between the em dash and the en dash. The em dash [--] is longer (about the width of capital M) than the en dash [-] (about the width of capital N). Both are longer than a hyphen. In a non-formatted or limited format medium, such as this web site, the em dash is represented by two hyphens [--]. The en dash is used to indicate range of values, such as between dates and times. Eg. 'This book is written for ages 3-5' The em dash is used to indicate an interruption Eg. "By trying we can easily learn to endure adversity--another man's, I mean." (Mark Twain). Or to show an abrupt change in thought Eg. I wish you would--oh, never mind.
The dash is a punctuation mark commonly called a "dash," and there are two main types: the en dash (–) and the em dash (—). The en dash is typically used to indicate a range of values, such as dates or numbers, while the em dash is often used to create a strong break in a sentence or to set off a thought. Both serve distinct purposes in writing, enhancing clarity and emphasis.
To make an em dash, you just type in two hyphens with spaces before and after -- the word processor will change it into a "long dash."
A dash is a punctuation mark that is used to indicate a pause or break in a sentence. There are two main types of dashes: the em dash (—) and the en dash (–). Em dashes are longer and are used to set off a phrase for emphasis or clarity, while en dashes are shorter and are typically used to show ranges or connections between numbers or words.
Riddle: What is the world's longest punctuation mark? Answer: The one hundred meter dash.