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punctuation
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Quick Summary

The em dash (\u2014) is a punctuation mark used to indicate a break in sentence structure or thought. It can function similarly to a comma, colon, or parenthesis, setting off extra information, introducing explanatory clauses, or marking abrupt changes in direction.12

The en dash (\u2013) is shorter than the em dash and is typically used between numbers, dates, or notations to signify a range, such as "August 1\u2013August 31".13

A hyphen (-) is used to connect word elements in compound words or to divide a word at the end of a line. While visually similar, hyphens and dashes developed independently, with hyphens generally connecting inseparable elements and dashes separating thoughts.14

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
7 Britannica Sources
  1. How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
  2. dash
  3. en dash
  4. em dash
  5. double dash
  6. hyphen
  7. dot-and-dash

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