Let’s continue looking at specific publishing terms that can be confused (and that may be to some, a bit obscure.) This one falls under the language category.

Both em and en dashes are common and look similar, but serve very different purposes. (These are listed in our Publishing Glossary, posted here.)

Here’s what The Chicago Manual of Style says:

Em dash

A short typographical rule measuring the width of an em (M). (From The Chicago Manual of Style, 17e; edited.)

En dash

A short typographical rule measuring the width of an en (N). (From The Chicago Manual of Style, 17e; edited.)

■

So what’s the difference? And when do you use either of these?

An em dash is similar to a colon (:). Use it when you want to separate information or create a break in a sentence, such as this:

It looked like rain—we canceled our fishing trip.

Milk, butter, eggs—all of these are on my shopping list.

Here’s how to create an em dash in Microsoft Word:

Windows: CNTRL+Q

Mac: Option + shift + dash (-)

An en dash is typically used to for ranges such as these:

Office hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm.

Note that in my view it’s an unforgivable sin to use an en dash with the word “from.” 

This is incorrect:

We’re open from Monday–Friday.

This is correct:

We’re open from Monday to Friday.

In some instances, depending on the publisher, en dashes are also used with two word (or compound) adjectives. While you’d use a hyphen here:

I decided to try plant-based meat.

You’d use an en dash here:

I got a job with a New York–based company.

I’ve decided to study post–World War II history.

Here’s how to create an en dash in Microsoft Word:

Windows: CNTRL+W

Mac: Option + dash (-)

When authoring a book, clarity is key and proper punctuation will ensure that your message is clear. Knowing the difference between em and en dashes will make a difference.

Like this post? Follow Virtus Publishing on LinkedIn!