An en dash (โ) is a punctuation mark that falls between the length of a hyphen (-) and an em dash (โ). It derives its name from being approximately the width of an uppercase letter โN.โ The en dash has specific applications in written language:
- Expressing Ranges: Its primary role is to denote ranges of values, such as numbers, dates, or time.
Example: pages 10โ15, the years 2010โ2022, 9:00 a.m.โ5:00 p.m. - Connecting Related Items: It can link related items or concepts, especially when they form a compound term.
Example: the New YorkโLondon flight, the JanuaryโFebruary issue - Linking Scores or Versus: In sports scores or comparisons, the en dash represents scores or indicates โversus.โ
Example: The final score was 3โ2. The team AโB match.
To type an en dash on a keyboard
- Windows: Hold the โAltโ key and type โ0150โ on the numeric keypad.
- macOS: Press โOptionโ + โHyphen.โ
- Linux: Press the compose key and two hyphens for an en dash.
- Microsoft Word: Simultaneously press “Ctrl” and the “-” key on the numeric keypad.
Proper use of the en dash contributes to more straightforward and precise communication when writing.
