How to use dashes correctly: Punctuation tip #5

Dashes can cause a lot of confusion – and I'm not surprised. They're rarely taught at school, and I can't blame writers for thinking all types of dashes do the same thing. But the truth is, they don't. For a start, there are short dashes (en dashes) and long dashes (em dashes). And then you’ve got hyphens, which aren't actually dashes. But more on that later!

In this post, I’ll discuss the two types of dashes and how to use them correctly. I’ll also explain the role that style and region play, and when you might want to replace a dash with a different type of punctuation.

Types of dashes

You’ve probably seen two types of dashes in written text: the en dash (–) and the em dash (—). They’re called that because one is the length of the letter ‘n’ and the other the length of ‘m’.

Dashes are often used to show relationships between words or numbers. But depending on your location, there are broad rules (or rather, best practices) for their use, which are designed to enhance clarity and readability.

Note: If you don’t want to use the symbols menu on the Insert tab, shortcuts for a PC are Alt 0150 for the en dash and Alt 0151 for the em dash.

When to use an en dash

In Australia and the UK, the en dash is the most common dash and it can be used in the following instances:

• For general number ranges

  Example: There were 50–60 people at the house inspection.

• For page number ranges

  Example: See pages 5–7.

  Example: Zadie Smith, Swingtime (Penguin Press, 2016), 315–16

  
  

• For date ranges

  Example: Gough Whitlam (1916–2014) was the twenty-first prime minister of Australia.

  Example: 15 May – 17 June 2025

  Note: Where a date has multiple components, spaced en dashes are used, as above.

• For financial years

  Example: He owed taxes for the 2024–25 tax year.

• To show equal relationships between two nouns

  Example: The editor–author relationship.

  Example: The US–Australia tax treaty.

• For multiple-word nouns in a compound adjective

  Example: It was a pre–World War Two policy.

  Example: It was a Lord of the Rings–themed party.

  Note: These constructions are usually considered awkward. If possible, rewrite these to avoid the dash. For example, ‘The policy predated World War Two.’

  
  

• To set off information

  Example: John – who arrived late– missed out on the performance.

  Example: Birds, bees, frogs – they’re all part of our ecosystem.

  Example: Try the Harbour Bridge Climb – unless you’re afraid of heights.

When to use an em dash

In Australia and the UK, em dashes aren’t as common as en dashes, but they’re used in the following instances:

• To show interrupted dialogue

  Example: ‘Don’t raise your voice in my—’

  Example: ‘It was this wide’—she stretched her arms out—’and this tall.’

  Note: In this instance, spaced en dashes are also acceptable. But don’t be tempted to use an ellipsis. This mark is usually reserved for missing information or speech that trails off.

• To set off information

  Example: John—who arrived late—missed out on the performance.

  Example: Birds, bees, crickets—they’re all part of nature’s kingdom.

  Example: Try the Harbour Bridge Climb—unless you’re afraid of heights.

  
  

  Note: The em dash can also be used when setting off information. It all depends on the author’s preference or the publisher’s style guide.

• When an author has more than one book listed in a bibliography

  Example: —— Eats, Shoots & Leaves, Profile Books, London, 2003.

  Note: Two consecutive em dashes are often used in reference lists when the author’s name is repeated, but this is optional or dependent on your style guide.

  
  

Is a hyphen a dash?

There is some debate about whether a hyphen is a dash. Most style guides agree that it’s not a dash but a short stroke (or bar) that joins words or parts of words.

They’re often used in numbers over twenty (e.g. twenty-five, ninety-nine), compound adjectives (e.g. a dog-loving family, a two-storey building) or even compound nouns or verbs (e.g. well-being, bottle-feed).

As you can see, hyphens perform a different function in a sentence, and they are not interchangeable with en dashes or em dashes. As an editor, I often see hyphens used to show number ranges or set out information (because the hyphen appears on a keyboard and dashes don’t). But this usage is incorrect. See the list above for further guidance.

Can you replace a dash with a comma?

Sometimes, authors overuse en dashes. (Guilty as charged!) This can create a staccato rhythm, or emphasise words or phrases unnecessarily. In this case, commas can come to the rescue and vary the punctuation and rhythm of a sentence.

Before: John – who arrived late – missed out on the performance.

After: John, who arrived late, missed out on the performance.

Before: It was an ongoing problem – and I’d had enough.

After: It was an ongoing problem, and I’d had enough.

Are dashes a telltale sign of AI?

If you’ve been on social media lately, you’ll know that everyone and their parakeet is talking about AI giveaways. And guess who’s become Enemy Number 1? The dash, of course.

So is it used by large language models? Yes. A lot. Generative AI uses language patterns and falls into repetitive loops, which means that you see vocabulary, structures and punctuation marks again and again – more than you would in human writing. As a result, the dash (namely the US-style em dash) is used constantly, particularly when it comes to setting off information.

In my opinion, dashes (or contrast framing, or the rule of threes, or words like ‘delve’) aren’t always a sign of AI. If they’re used occasionally and judiciously, they have their place. That said, if you’re using AI to assist your writing process, look out for these patterns and minimise them. Or better yet, ditch the bots and write the words yourself!

Final thoughts: How to use dashes correctly

Dashes may look tricky at first, but once you know where and when to use them, they’ll make your writing cleaner, sharper and more consistent. However, consider whether a dash is needed or whether another punctuation mark will do. A little goes a long way.

Another thing to remember is that using the en dash or em dash is a matter of style, particularly when it comes to setting out information. Australia and the UK prefer to use the former; the US prefers the latter. That said, I’ve seen many local novels use the em dash. It all depends on the author’s preference or the publisher’s style guide.

Not sure how to handle dashes? Let me take care of them for you. Get in touch through my contact form or request a sample edit.