Dash it all! How do you use hyphens and dashes?

Ask an editor and they’ll tell you there are different types of dashes or hyphens. You may have noticed when you are typing that some dashes (they look like this “-”) appear to be longer or shorter than others. So here is a very simple guide to help you.

Hyphens

Hyphens can be used to connect words together. For example:

On-board
Grown-up
On-site
One-sided
Thing-a-ma-jig

Hyphens were used in other ways when we handwrote messages but that’s a whole other topic.

Dashes

Dashes are used between dates or numbers. For example:

1-3 days
2001 – 2007
1 October – 31 December

Dashes are also used in sentences when you wish to add a bit more detail or emphasis. For example:

He knew he shouldn’t do it – but he took the money anyway.
She turned to look at her watch – just for a moment – and then she heard a crash.

Have a grammar question? Ask Karen

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