Em dash — English definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A long dash (—) used to set off, emphasize, or interrupt with a phrase — more emphatic and informal than commas or parentheses. (English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences)
- A long dash (—) that sets off an abrupt break, a dramatic pause, or a parenthetical insertion — punchier and more emphatic than a comma or parentheses. (English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory)
Where it is taught
- Conventions of Standard English — Language, Style & Conventions, English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences, Grade 10
- Conventions & Usage — Language, Style & Conventions, English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory, Grade 11
In use
The em dash is the most flexible of the three, and the most misunderstood.
Conventions of Standard English
An em dash does the opposite — it throws the aside forward with emphasis, creating an abrupt, almost spoken break.
Conventions & Usage