Dashing

There are three types of dashes: hyphen, en dash, and em dash. Here’s how they are used and how to produce them using Microsoft Word.

The Hyphen

The hyphen links words together:

• Twenty-odd people
• Soft-centred candy
• Seventy-six trombones.

There are generally no spaces on either side of a hyphen. An exception is when it is used in an address: 123 - 45 Street, Tucson.

Word

It is easy to type a hyphen using Word. Simply hit the key next to the numeral 0.

The Em Dash

It’s called an em dash because it has the same width as a capital M. The em dash—unlike the hyphen—serves to separate words, not link them:

• At the wedding the speeches—and the food—were superb.
• I do the work—he gets the credit.
• My deal is simple—I get all the money.

There are generally no spaces on either side of an em dash; however, the practice is not consistent; for example, the Toronto Star uses a space on either side.

Word

Type text, and then insert two hyphens (--)and type more text. Don’t insert a space on either side of the hyphen or between them. Word will automatically convert the two hyphens into an em dash—magic.

The En Dash

The en dash, as wide as an N, is also used to separate, but only numbers.

• See pages 100 – 110
• During the week of May 14 – 20

Many style guides say there are no spaces on either side of an en dash, but Word just doesn’t see it that way.

Word

Type text followed by a space, then type one or two hyphens followed by one or no space, and Word will automatically inserts an en dash.