How to Use a Dash: Em Dashes, En Dashes, and Everything In Between

If you’ve ever paused mid-sentence wondering whether to use a dash, a hyphen, or just scrap the whole sentence altogether, you’re not alone. Back when I was juggling assignments and academic deadlines, this tiny punctuation mark tripped me up more than once. But once I figured it out, the dash became one of my favorite tools in writing—it’s flexible, expressive, and surprisingly powerful when used right.

Let’s break down what makes dashes so useful, when to use them, and how to distinguish between em dashes, en dashes, and hyphens. If you’re a student, educator, or just someone looking to sharpen your writing, this is for you.

What Are the Two Types of Dash?

There are two main types of dashes: the em dash (—) and the en dash (–). Though they look similar, they play very different roles in your writing.

• Em dash: The longer of the two. It can replace commas, colons, or parentheses and adds drama or emphasis.
• En dash: Slightly shorter than an em dash but longer than a hyphen. It's used mostly for ranges and connections.

I used to confuse these constantly in my early writing. But once I realized they had distinct personalities—one bold and expressive, the other precise and technical—it finally clicked.

When to Use an Em Dash

The em dash is your go-to punctuation mark when you want to interrupt a sentence, highlight a point, or add extra information in a dramatic way. Think of it like a spotlight—it demands attention.

Use an em dash when you want to:

• Set off a phrase for emphasis 

Example: The professor—the one with the wild hair and coffee addiction—cancelled class again.

• Replace commas or parentheses for a stronger impact 

Example: I finally submitted the essay—five minutes before the deadline.

• Interrupt a thought or shift tone 

Example: I was going to attend the lecture—but Netflix won.

When I write articles or edit student essays, I often suggest using em dashes instead of parentheses. It keeps the sentence from feeling buried and gives the reader a more active experience.

When to Use an En Dash

The en dash is more subtle. It quietly connects things that are related or shows a range between numbers, dates, or pages.

Use an en dash when you want to:

• Show a range 

Example: Chapters 4–7 are due next week. 
Example: The meeting runs from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.

• Connect related ideas, especially compound adjectives 

Example: The New York–London flight was delayed. 
Example: The post–World War II economy boomed.

Unlike em dashes, en dashes aren’t meant to shout—they're there to quietly clarify. And yes, it took me several reminders (and red marks from professors) to get that down. Now, JustDone’s grammar checker helps me spot these differences in seconds, and it’s saved me a ton of stress.

Hyphen vs. Dash: Stop the Confusion

Here’s where most of us mess up. A hyphen (-) is not a dash. It’s shorter and serves a completely different purpose.

Use a hyphen to:

• Connect words in compound modifiers
  Example: Well-written paper
• Join prefixes
  Example: Re-enter the room
• Avoid ambiguity
  Example: Small-business owners vs. small business owners

One of the most common mistakes I see from students (and used to make myself) is using a hyphen instead of a dash in academic papers. This can subtly change the meaning and even weaken your sentence structure.

Here’s a quick visual summary:

How I Handle Dashes in Academic Writing

Back in university, my thesis draft had so many punctuation errors that my advisor once circled them all with red pen and wrote “dash drama!” in the margins. That moment stuck. I started reviewing my use of dashes more carefully, especially while writing analytical or narrative essays where tone mattered.

Now, when I write or revise content—whether it's an academic essay or a blog article—I use dashes to pace ideas and create stronger emotional flow. For example:

Before: The data set included responses from 300 students, it was analyzed using SPSS.
After: The data set included responses from 300 students—it was analyzed using SPSS.

That em dash? It makes the second sentence feel more deliberate and confident. With JustDone’s AI-enhanced tools, I can now scan my draft to identify overused punctuation and replace it with better-structured alternatives. It even catches when I accidentally use hyphens where dashes should go.

En Dash vs. Em Dash: Quick Comparison

When I forget these shortcuts, I honestly just use JustDone's built-in formatting checker—it catches formatting issues that Word or Google Docs often miss.

Final Tips: Making Dashes Work for You

If you want your writing to sound natural, clear, and expressive, mastering the dash is essential. Here are a few takeaways from my own writing routine:

• Use em dashes sparingly but intentionally. They lose impact if overused.
• Stick to en dashes for clean ranges and dates. Especially in research or academic formatting.
• Avoid using a hyphen when a dash is needed. It’s a small visual cue, but it matters.
• Check your tone. Em dashes can make your writing feel more casual, while en dashes keep it formal and structured.

Writing Manually vs. Using JustDone Tools

Here’s how the process of mastering dashes used to feel before and after using JustDone:

In fact, JustDone has become my go-to for cleaning up punctuation without overthinking every sentence. Especially when writing under pressure, it’s like having an extra pair of smart eyes on my draft.

In Summary on How to Use Dashes

So, what are the two types of dash? Em dash and en dash are the two types of dashes every writer should understand. Knowing when to use an em dash or en dash, how to distinguish them from hyphens, and applying them confidently is a small step that makes a huge difference in your writing.

Don’t let punctuation trip you up. Get comfortable using dashes with practice, and don’t hesitate to lean on tools like JustDone when things get fuzzy. Your future self—and your readers—will thank you.