en dash and em dash

-- En dash

http://www.thepunctuationguide.com/en-dash.html

--- Em dash

http://www.thepunctuationguide.com/em-dash.html

En dash

 

The en dash (–) is slightly wider than the hyphen (-) but narrower than the em dash (—). The typical computer keyboard lacks a dedicated key for the en dash, though most word processors provide a means for its insertion.

 

Span or range of numbers

 

Scores

 

Conflict or connection

 

Compound adjectives

 

Em dash

 

The em dash is perhaps the most versatile punctuation mark. Depending on the context, the em dash can take the place of commas, parentheses, or colons—in each case to slightly different effect.

 

Notwithstanding its versatility, the em dash is best limited to two appearances per sentence. Otherwise, confusion rather than clarity is likely to result.

 

Do not mistake the em dash (—) for the slightly narrower en dash (–) or the even narrower hyphen (-). Those marks serve different purposes and are further explained in other sections.

 

 

Em dashes in place of commas

 

A pair of em dashes can be used in place of commas to enhance readability. Note, however, that dashes are always more emphatic than commas.

 

Em dashes in place of parentheses

 

The em dash in place of a colon