What are M and N dashes
The en dash is approximately the length of the letter N, and the em dash the length of the letter M. The shorter en dash (–) is used to mark ranges and with the meaning “to” in phrases like “Dover–Calais crossing.” The longer em dash (—) is used to separate extra information or mark a break in a sentence.
Why is an M dash called an M dash
In fact, the em dash is named after its length—it's about the same width as the capital letter m. Its alphabetical cousin, the en dash, is about the same width as the letter n. Figuratively speaking, the hyphen pulled the short end of the stick.
What is the em dash used for
The em dash can function like a comma, a colon, or parenthesis. Like commas and parentheses, em dashes set off extra information, such as examples, explanatory or descriptive phrases, or supplemental facts. Like a colon, an em dash introduces a clause that explains or expands upon something that precedes it.
What is the em dash symbol
The dash (—), also called the em dash, is the long horizontal bar, much longer than a hyphen. Few keyboards have a dash, but a word processor can usually produce one in one way or another.
How do you type an N and M dash
If you have a numeric keyboard, hold down the Alt key and type 0151 for an em dash or 0150 for an en dash.
What does an M dash look like
The em dash (—) is the long dash—it's roughly the same length as a capital M. The en dash (–) is shorter, taking up the same space as a capital N. Different situations require different types of dashes. Let's take a look at how these two dashes are used and explore some examples of when to use em dashes vs en dashes.
What are the 3 types of dashes
There are actually three different types of dashes: the em-dash, the en- dash, and the 3-em dash. The em-dash can be used to replace parentheses, colons, and commas. Generally, using the em- dash makes the writing style more informal—as if you were writing to an old friend.
How do I type an em dash
And then the minus key you can also go just hold the alt. Button. And then type in zero one five one zero one five one when you let off of the ALT. Key the M Dash will pop up. If you're on a Mac.
How do you use an em dash in a speech
Em dashes (not to be confused with hyphens or ellipses) are used to indicate that a speaker has been interrupted mid-sentence by another character. The em dash should be placed directly after the final word the speaker gets out before being interrupted (with no extra space) and inside the closing quotation mark.
Is the N-Dash the same as a hyphen
The en-dash is a bit longer than the hyphen; its length is equal to the width of the letter n, whence the name. The n-dash simply means through. It is used for any kind of ranges, typically.
Where is M dash on keyboard
Use built-in keyboard shortcuts.
On a regular-size keyboard with a number keypad, I can use keyboard shortcuts to create em dashes and en dashes: Em dash (—): Alt+0151. En dash (–): Alt+0150.
What does an N dash look like
An en dash is a punctuation mark that is typically used to express ranges or to clarify more complex compound words. An en dash resembles a hyphen (-) but is slightly longer (–). Most keyboards don't have a key reserved for the en dash.
How do you type a 3-em dash
Create a 3-em dash by entering the em dash three times or six hyphens. You can find the em dash in the symbol drop-down menu in Microsoft Word. Alternatively, press CTRL + ALT + minus key on the numeric keypad, three times. If you're using the proper font (Times New Roman 12), the three dashes will make a solid line.
How do you type a 2 em dash
There is a distinct 2-em dash character which can be copied and pasted, but not all fonts support it.In MS Word on a PC, type 2e3a Alt x [type 2e3a then hold down Alt and x].If you can see it on your browser, copy and paste this 2-em dash: ⸺
How do you type a 3 em dash
Create a 3-em dash by entering the em dash three times or six hyphens. You can find the em dash in the symbol drop-down menu in Microsoft Word. Alternatively, press CTRL + ALT + minus key on the numeric keypad, three times. If you're using the proper font (Times New Roman 12), the three dashes will make a solid line.
What are the 3 em dashes
3-em dashes are generally used to omit a name that should not be disclosed or to signal that word(s) have been left out. This particular dash is normally used in legal documents to protect the innocent. You can either use six hyphens or use an underscore.
Do you use an em dash in dialogue
To Indicate Interruption in Dialogue, Use An Em-Dash
You create an em-dash by typing two hyphens, and most word processing programs will tie them automatically into the longer dash. (Check out more punctuation rules for dialogue.)
How do you type an N dash
Windows. For Windows on a keyboard with a numeric keypad: Use Alt + 0 1 5 0 (en dash) or Alt + 0 1 5 1 (em dash) using the numeric keypad.
What is a 3 m dash
The 3-em dash—three consecutive em dashes—is used in bibliographies. The 3-em dash is so named because it looks like three consecutive em dashes. It is used to signify that a bibliography entry has the exact same author(s), editor(s), translator(s), or corporate author(s) as the previous bibliography entry.
What is a 3-em dash used for
3-em dashes are generally used to omit a name that should not be disclosed or to signal that word(s) have been left out. This particular dash is normally used in legal documents to protect the innocent. You can either use six hyphens or use an underscore.
How to do a 3em dash
Create a 3-em dash by entering the em dash three times or six hyphens. You can find the em dash in the symbol drop-down menu in Microsoft Word. Alternatively, press CTRL + ALT + minus key on the numeric keypad, three times. If you're using the proper font (Times New Roman 12), the three dashes will make a solid line.
What does 2 dashes mean
Now let's turn to the use of double dashes. Double dashes are used instead of commas (or parentheses) to interrupt a sentence. The phrase separated by dashes must be grammatically inessential, by which I simply mean that the sentence will still work without that phrase.
Can you use 3 em dashes in a sentence
Use em dashes (rather than commas or parentheses) when the words within the interpolation are significant and are not to be missed. Don't use more than two em dashes in a single sentence.
How do you use an em dash example
Here are some more examples em dashes in sentences.He asked—well, more like demanded—to be given the promotion.They had three granddaughters—Elizabeth, Jane, and Kitty.She graduated college—with honors—with a degree in software engineering.
When not to use an em dash
But packing an em dash into a sentence that already has a colon or semicolon is a sure sign that you're trying to do too much. Chances are you've got three sentences packed in there, and they're all suffocating each other. Instead, think about how you can break them up and still give the reader a lovely through line.
