“em-dash”: the width of an “m”; creates a gasp-like sudden break in a sentence. They are normally used in pairs—like this—within a sentence. They can also be used alone—like this.

“en-dash”: the width on an ‘en; often connects pairs or ranges, for example, “The hydrogen-oxygen ratio”, or time periods, such as “August-December”.

How do I insert an en dash or em dash in Microsoft Word?

Using the Microsoft Word AutoFormat feature, users can create both an en dash and em dash using hyphens. They may also be inserted manually using the Menu bar at the top of the screen. The following sections have details for each of the aforementioned methods. Using the AutoFormat Feature

Em Dash Steps

To insert an em dash using AutoFormat type two hyphens next to each other without any space between the words or hyphens. For example, typing:

Something--Something(space) converts the line to:

Something — Something

Tip: With Num Lock enabled, you can also use the shortcut combination CTRL + Alt + Minus to create and Em dash. (Minus is on the Keypad).

En dash steps

To insert an en dash using AutoFormat type a single hyphen between two words.

For example, typing:

1993 - 1995(space) converts the line to:

1993 – 1995

Tip: With Num Lock enabled, you can also use the shortcut combination CTRL + Minus to create and En dash. (Minus is on the Keypad). Inserting En and Em dashes manually

1. In an open Microsoft Word document, click Insert in the Menu bar. 2. From the drop-down menu or side menu click Symbol. 3. If you don't see the dashes there, click More Symbols... 4. Find the appropriate dash in the character map, or just click on the special characters tab and they should be at the top. 5. Click Insert.