What Are En Dashes?
The en dash (–) is a punctuation mark that falls between a hyphen (-) and an em dash (—) in length and function. While less commonly used than other dashes, the en dash serves a distinct purpose, particularly when indicating ranges. This guide will explain the proper use of en dashes, how they differ from other punctuation marks, and their rhetorical impact.
An en dash (–) is a dash that is approximately the width of the letter “n” and is primarily used to indicate ranges, such as spans of time, numbers, or scores. Unlike hyphens, which connect compound words, en dashes create a relationship between values or concepts.
Examples:
- “The meeting is scheduled for 2:00–3:30 p.m.”
- “The years 1995–2005 were a defining period in his career.”
Learn Next: How to Use Exclamation Marks
The Common Way to Use En Dashes
1. Indicate a Range or Period of Time
The most common use of the en dash is to express a range of time, dates, numbers, or values. It replaces words such as “to” or “through” while maintaining a cleaner and more professional appearance in writing.
Examples:
- “The summer camp runs from June 10–July 15.”
- “The store is open Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m.”
What NOT to Do:
- “The summer camp runs from June 10 to July 15.” (While this is grammatically correct, an en dash makes the range more concise.)
- “The store is open Monday-Friday.” (A hyphen should not replace an en dash in a date or time range.)
Rhetorical Use of En Dashes
Although primarily used for time ranges, en dashes can be used rhetorically to connect concepts in a way that suggests contrast, balance, or a relationship between elements. This is often seen in compound adjectives or comparisons where two ideas hold equal weight.
Examples:
- “The North–South divide remains a topic of debate.” (Indicates a contrast or connection between two geographical regions.)
- “The novel explores the nature–nurture debate.” (Shows the relationship between two opposing concepts.)
What NOT to Do:
- “The North – South divide remains a topic of debate.” (A hyphen is incorrect in this context and weakens the intended connection.)
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