Em Dash

Em Dash

The em dash (equivalent to the width of an uppercase 'M') is sometimes referred to as a textual dash; it separates parenthetical clauses from the wider sentence.

The em dash is used to:

Isolate parenthetic expressions

A new shop—they sell whitegoods—just opened up down the road.

Note: Some publications and the Australian Government Style Manual used a spaced en dash as textual dashes. While the above is often the preferred usage, it is important to check your style manual before proceeding.

Indicate interruption to dialogue

‘I might just quickly—’

‘You’ll have to wait, we have business to attend to.’

Two–Em Rule

Some style guides use the two–em rule to indicate missing text, or interrupted dialogue.

He made his way to —— where he was able to finish his work in peace.

F—— is signatory to the deal.

‘Of course we cannot just ——’

Replace a colon or semicolon when expanding on a statement

‘I’m not usually one for ramen—soups don’t do it for me.’