Em Dash: How to Use and Examples

Em dashes add emphasis, clarity, and style to your writing.

They can replace commas, parentheses, or colons to highlight important information or create a dramatic pause for effect.

This guide will teach you how to use em dashes correctly, with clear examples.

You’ll also learn the difference between em and en dashes.

What Is an Em Dash?

An em dash (—) is a punctuation mark that looks like a long horizontal line. It’s called an em dash because it’s about the same width as the letter “m.”

The em dash is a versatile punctuation mark that can be used in place of various other punctuation marks, such as commas, colons, and parentheses.

Its primary function is to set off or emphasize a portion of a sentence.

Em Dash Examples

Here are some examples of how to use em dashes in different contexts:

To Set Off Parenthetical Elements

• “The new restaurant—located in the heart of downtown—has quickly become a local favorite.”
• “Her decision to leave her job—a job she had loved for years—surprised everyone.”

To Indicate a Sudden Change in Thought or Interruption

• “I was going to say something—oh, I forgot what it was.”
• “Wait, I think—no, never mind, it’s fine.”

To Add Emphasis

• “There’s one thing I can’t stand—dishonesty.”
• “He had one goal in mind—winning the championship.”

To Create a Dramatic Pause

• “And the winner is—Sarah!”
• “You won’t believe what happened next—it was unbelievable.”

In Dialogue

• “I don’t know what you’re talking about—”
• “Please, just listen—”
• “No, you listen!”

To Replace a Colon

• “She had one goal in mind—winning the championship.”
• “There was only one thing left to do—pack up and leave.”

Em Dash vs. En Dash

The em dash (—) and en dash (–) are similar in appearance but have different uses.

Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

How to Type an Em Dash

Typing an em dash can vary depending on the device or software you’re using.

Here’s how you can type an em dash on different platforms:

Windows

• Alt Code: Hold down the “Alt” key and type “0151” on the numeric keypad.
• Word: Type two hyphens in a row (–) and Word will automatically convert them into an em dash.

Mac

• Keyboard Shortcut: Press “Option” + “Shift” + “-” (hyphen).

Google Docs

• Insert Special Characters: Go to “Insert” > “Special Characters,” then type “em dash” in the search box.
• Auto-Replace: Type two hyphens (–) and continue typing. Google Docs will automatically replace the two hyphens with an em dash.

HTML

• HTML Code: Use “—” to insert an em dash.

Mobile Devices

• iOS: Hold down the hyphen key on the keyboard, and a menu will appear with the option to select an em dash.
• Android: Depending on the keyboard app, you may need to hold down the hyphen key or access a special characters menu to find the em dash.

Conclusion

The em dash is a versatile punctuation mark that can add emphasis, indicate a pause, or set off information in your writing.

By understanding how to use em dashes correctly, you can add clarity and style to your sentences.

Remember, while em dashes can be a powerful tool, it’s important not to overuse them.