How to Use Em Dashes (–), En Dashes (–), and Hyphens (-) (merriam-webster.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the correct usage of em dashes, en dashes, and hyphens, although the exact content is not available. Commenters share their experiences and tips on typing these characters on different platforms, including Mac and Windows. The conversation also touches on the importance of proper punctuation in writing. Some commenters mention that the use of em dashes and en dashes can be a telltale sign of a writer's background or the use of certain writing tools.

Main themes

• Punctuation usage
• Typing shortcuts
• Keyboard layouts
• Writing tools
• Language pedantry

What commenters say

• The correct use of em dashes and en dashes is a sign of good writing and attention to detail, but its absence does not necessarily indicate a lack of quality.
• Some people believe that the use of em dashes and en dashes can be a telltale sign of a writer's background or the use of certain writing tools, such as LLM writers.
• There are various ways to type em dashes and en dashes on different platforms, including using keyboard shortcuts or typing multiple hyphens.
• The importance of proper punctuation is not limited to em dashes and en dashes, but also includes other aspects of writing, such as spacing and line breaks.
• Some commenters argue that the use of non-breaking spaces before dashes is necessary to avoid confusion, while others disagree and prefer to use regular spaces.
• The Mac keyboard layout is praised for its ease of use and mnemonic connections, but some users find it lacking in terms of typing arbitrary Unicode characters.
• There are workarounds for typing Unicode characters on Mac, including using the Character Viewer or setting up custom keyboard layouts.
• The conversation highlights the diversity of opinions and experiences among writers and typists, with some valuing pedantry and others prioritizing convenience and practicality.