Introduction
Have you ever seen a symbol that looks like a hyphen but is longer and has a different name? This symbol is called a dash or an en dash, and it has a few different uses in the English language. In this article, we will explore what the en dash is, how it differs from other similar symbols, and how to use it correctly in your writing.
What is an en dash?
An en dash is a symbol that is longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash. It is named after the width of the letter "n" in the font that it is based on. The en dash is often used to indicate a range of values or dates, such as "pages 10–20" or "the years 1990–2000." It can also be used to connect two words that are equal in importance, such as "Paris–London flight" or "pre–World War II era."
How to use an en dash
To use an en dash, simply type two hyphens with no spaces before or after them. Some word processing programs, such as Microsoft Word, will automatically convert two hyphens into an en dash. If you prefer, you can also use the en dash character (–) directly from the symbol menu in your word processor.
When using an en dash to indicate a range, make sure to use it between two numbers or dates with no spaces. For example, "pages 10–20" is correct, while "pages 10 – 20" is not. When using an en dash to connect two words, make sure to use it between two words that are equal in importance. For example, "pre–World War II era" is correct, while "pre-World War II era" is not.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the en dash is a useful symbol that can help clarify ranges of values or connect two words that are equal in importance. It is important to use the en dash correctly in your writing to avoid confusion or errors. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can use the en dash with confidence and clarity in your writing.