En Dash vs. Hyphen

Attribute	En Dash	Hyphen
Usage	Used to indicate a range or connection between two things	Used to join words or parts of words together
Length	Slightly longer than a hyphen	Shorter than an en dash
Appearance	–	-
Typing	Option + - on Mac, Alt + 0150 on Windows	Simply type the key on the keyboard

Introduction

En dash and hyphen are two commonly used punctuation marks in the English language. While they may look similar at first glance, they serve different purposes and have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the differences between en dash and hyphen, and discuss when to use each one.

En Dash

The en dash is a punctuation mark that is slightly longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash. It is typically used to indicate a range of values or relationships, such as in dates, times, or scores. For example, "January–March" or "pages 10–20". The en dash is also used to connect words that are related in some way, such as "New York–London flight" or "pre–Civil War era."

• Used for ranges
• Connects related words
• Slightly longer than a hyphen

Hyphen

The hyphen is a shorter punctuation mark that is commonly used to join words together, create compound words, or separate syllables in a word. For example, "well-known," "mother-in-law," or "re-elect." Hyphens are also used in some prefixes and suffixes, such as "ex-wife" or "anti-inflammatory." Additionally, hyphens are used to avoid ambiguity or clarify meaning, such as in "small-business owner" or "recovering alcoholic."

• Joins words together
• Creates compound words
• Separates syllables

Usage Differences

One of the key differences between en dash and hyphen is their usage in different contexts. En dashes are primarily used for ranges and connections between related words, while hyphens are used to join words together, create compound words, and separate syllables. Understanding the specific context in which each punctuation mark is used is essential for proper grammar and clarity in writing.

Length and Appearance

Another noticeable difference between en dash and hyphen is their length and appearance. En dashes are slightly longer than hyphens, making them visually distinct on the page. En dashes are typically the width of an uppercase N, while hyphens are shorter and closer in length to a lowercase n. This difference in length can help differentiate between the two punctuation marks in written text.

Clarity and Precision

Using the correct punctuation mark, whether an en dash or hyphen, can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing. En dashes are often used to indicate a more specific relationship between words or values, while hyphens are used to join words together or create compound words. By using the appropriate punctuation mark in each context, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.

Examples

Let's look at some examples to illustrate the differences between en dash and hyphen in practice:

• En dash: "The meeting is scheduled for 2:00–3:30 p.m."
• Hyphen: "She is a well-known actress."

Conclusion

In conclusion, en dash and hyphen are two distinct punctuation marks with different attributes and uses. En dashes are typically used for ranges and connections between related words, while hyphens are used to join words together, create compound words, and separate syllables. By understanding the differences between en dash and hyphen, you can improve the clarity and precision of your writing, and ensure that your grammar is correct.