Used in a Sentence

em-dashes

Definition, parts of speech, synonyms, and sentence examples for em-dashes.

Editorial note

And some hyphens show up as em-dashes in firefox, not sure what the deal is there.

Examples7
Definitions1
Parts of speech1

Quick take

Alternative form of em dash. [(typography) The symbol (—) (used to demarcate a parenthetical thought or to indicate a break, or for emphasis); a one-em or long dash.]

Meaning at a glance

The clearest senses and uses of em-dashes gathered in one view.

noun

Alternative form of em dash. [(typography) The symbol (—) (used to demarcate a parenthetical thought or to indicate a break, or for emphasis); a one-em or long dash.]

Definitions

Core meanings and parts of speech for em-dashes.

noun

Alternative form of em dash. [(typography) The symbol (—) (used to demarcate a parenthetical thought or to indicate a break, or for emphasis); a one-em or long dash.]

Example sentences

1

And some hyphens show up as em-dashes in firefox, not sure what the deal is there.

2

There seem to be a number of places where you've changed hyphens to em-dashes.

3

Try combining all of your sentences into one page-long complex-compound sentence by overusing comma run-ons and semicolons and em-dashes and ellipses and strings of conjunctions.

4

Note that different style manuals will suggest em-dashes set closed for that use or en-dashes set open; either is better than hyphens (open or closed).

5

Learn the difference between hyphens, en-dashes, and em-dashes.

6

En-dashes have one use (similar to that of em-dashes, which is used varies by house style) where they are usually set open, and a number where they are usually set closed.

7

In English, Em-dashes have a couple of different uses, but in the most common use they are usually set closed (no spaces on either end), though some styles set them with a space on either end.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.

How do you use em-dashes in a sentence?

And some hyphens show up as em-dashes in firefox, not sure what the deal is there.

What does em-dashes mean?

Alternative form of em dash. [(typography) The symbol (—) (used to demarcate a parenthetical thought or to indicate a break, or for emphasis); a one-em or long dash.]

What part of speech is em-dashes?

em-dashes is commonly used as noun.