Linking certain words or phrases in a sentence using a ‘dash’ requires careful consideration. On many occasions I have had to explain the misuse of hyphens to act as parentheses — to enclose a word, phrase, or clause — instead of using brackets or em dashes (as used in this sentence). This misunderstanding of the function of the hyphen, which should be used purely to connect words, flows through most writing projects that I assess, edit or proofread — fiction and non-fiction.
An em dash punctuates sentences and is roughly equivalent to the width of a capital ‘M’, so significantly longer than the hyphen. We use the em dash to:
- create a strong break in the structure of a sentence. It can replace a colon or semi-colon when expanding on a statement, giving greater emphasis to the information that follows it.
Vasari set up his Academia del Disegno — the first formal art academy in Italy.
Paintings would often illustrate a scene from the saint’s life — for example, St Michael was an archangel and is often featured in paintings of the Last Judgement.
An acceptable alternative using a semi-colon is: Paintings would often illustrate a scene from the saint’s life; for example, St Michael was an archangel and is often featured in paintings of the Last Judgement.
- signify a more abrupt (significant) change in the direction or tone of a sentence.
The night brought peace to the village — but there was pandemonium in one house.
The comma is a possible substitution of the em dash, which diminishes the impact: The night brought peace to the village, but there was pandemonium in one house.
Another example: He was the only escapee — or was he?
- isolate a parenthetic expression within a sentence.
The Codex is a unique collection of songs and poems by the Minnesinger — the German minstrels — whose work was popular at the time.
An acceptable alternative is using brackets instead of em dashes (a comma could be inserted after the brackets): The Codex is a unique collection of songs and poems by the Minnesinger (the German minstrels) whose work was popular at the time.
Whether or not you have a space either side of an em dash depends on which style guide you follow, or your personal preference (I prefer spaces). However, as the Snooks & Co. style manual warns: “Beware of using em rules too frequently. Overuse could indicate that there are too many qualifications and a lack of structural clarity.” Sound advice.
Consider using em dashes more often (but not too often) to add emphasis, maybe even tension, and ultimately, rhythm to your sentences. Experiment with the em dash, but don’t belittle this mighty dash by substituting it with a hyphen.
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Featured image: Paul Gauguin, Breton Girls Dancing, Pont-Aven, 1888, 73 cm x 92.7cm, NG Washington
