Hyphens are used:
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in compound words
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for range between numbers or time periods (replacing the words to or through*)
*The en dash can also be used for the same reason.
The word following the hyphen is not capitalized.
In compound words
To indicate range
The en dash is used:
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for range, replacing the words to or through*
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for scores
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in directions
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for complex compound adjectives
The en dash gets its name from being the same length as the letter -n.
*The hyphen is often used for range instead of the en dash.
The word following the en dash is not capitalized.
The em dash is used:
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to add extra information to a sentence—replacing parentheses
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to attribute a quote
The em dash gets its name from being the same length as the letter -m.
The word following the em dash is not capitalized.
En dash use examples
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Range |
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She worked there from 2018–2021. |
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Scores |
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Hufflepuff won the match 7–2. |
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Directions |
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Take the North–South expressway. |
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Complex compound adjectives |
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It is a World War II–period audio recorder. |
Em dash use examples
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To add extra information to a sentence—replacing parentheses |
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I love dogs—but please don’t tell my cat. I love dogs (but please don’t tell my cat). |
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To create emphasis—replacing a comma or a colon |
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Fluffy’s favourite is tuna—he eats 2 cans a day. Fluffy’s favourite is tuna: he eats 2 cans a day. |
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To attribute a quote |
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“I wish I could write as mysterious as a cat.”—Edgar Allan Poe |