How To Use Dashes And Hyphens

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How to use dashes and hyphens. The hyphen the shortest is used to join multiple words that function together as a single concept a k a. Some people mistakenly use it as a dash key. The en dash a hyphen with a growth spurt is used to represent the words to or through when specifying a range. Let s take a look at the different types of dashes you can use in your writing and when and when not to use a hyphen. While the two look similar they aren t the same.

Em en and the double hyphen. A hyphen is a punctuation mark that s used to join words or parts of words. There are three forms of dashes. The differences might appear subtle but their usages are distinct. This hyphen is available between 0 and keys on the top number row of a standard keyboard layout.

The dash works somewhat like parentheses or commas but it is used where a stronger punctuation is needed. Many students have trouble identifying the right time to use a dash or a hyphen. Dashes shouldn t be confused with hyphens. The most common types of dashes are the en dash and the em dash. Use an em dash to join independent clauses.

Span similarly if you re using numerals to indicate a span of time you d pop an en dash in the middle. If you re not sure whether a compound word has a hyphen or not check your preferred dictionary. It s not interchangeable with other types of dashes. Use a hyphen in a compound modifier when the modifier comes before the word it s modifying. How to use dashes and hyphens.

The most common types of dashes are the en dash and the em dash. The em dash the longest and most versatile is used to act. You can use regular hyphen when typing compound words in english. It s not interchangeable with other types of dashes. Let s look at the three key occasions en dashes are used.