Using Dashes, Hyphens

Many people find themselves confused as to when to use a dash or a hyphen. This really isn't that tricky though. There are just a few things that you will need to keep in mind.

Using A Hyphen

Hyphens are a short line that hangs in midair (-) between two or more words. The three purposes for them are as follows.

Hyphens are used to clarify the usage of numbers. Even though a number may sound like a single work, it's not. For instance, the number 23 is properly written as twenty-three.

Hyphens are used within compound words or names. Herein the hyphen brings two or more words or names together to form a single word or name. An example of this is self-improvement or Editor-In-Chief.

Hyphens are used to show that there is a relationship between two concepts. This is especially true whenever you are writing dates or keeping the score of a game. For example, George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) or Rabbits vs. Hares 14-15.

Using A Dash

The dash is actually two hyphens put together, so you can think of it as an elongated hyphen. It is meant to show a sudden or unexpected break in a sentence's flow. There are essentially two main uses for the dash. They are as follows.

Dashes are used for an afterthought. Herein a dash is used whenever a thought occurs after the sentence has already been said. You can think of it as an additional point to be made. For instance, "The little girl ran really fast - like a superhero."

Dashes are used parenthetically. This is when an idea is placed in the middle of a sentence, as if it should be in parentheses. For instance, "The Grand Canyon - if you haven't ever been there - is a once in a lifetime experience."

In Conclusion

Now that you know what the difference between hyphens and dashes are and how each is used differently, you will be able to improve upon your writing. Polishing your writing in this way will definitely help you look much more professional too. So, good luck and happy writing.