An em dash is a punctuation mark that is used to set off a clause or phrase in a sentence. It is also used to indicate a sudden change in thought or to create a break in the flow of a sentence. The em dash is slightly longer than a hyphen and is used in place of commas, parentheses, or colons.
The em dash can be used to create emphasis in a sentence. For example,
The em dash can be used to set off a clause or phrase in a sentence.
The em dash can be used to create emphasis in a sentence—for example, by interrupting the flow of a sentence to insert a parenthetical thought.
The em dash can also be used in place of commas, parentheses, or colons—for example, when a sentence is already crowded with commas or when the parenthetical thought is particularly long.
Here are some more examples of how the em dash can be used:
The em dash can be used to set off a clause or phrase in a sentence—for example, when the clause or phrase is particularly long or when it contains commas itself.
The em dash can be used in place of commas, parentheses, or colons—for example, when a sentence is already crowded with commas or when the parenthetical thought is particularly long.
The em dash can also be used for emphasis, as in the following sentence:
I’m not going to the party—I don’t want to see her.
In this sentence, the em dash is used to emphasize the fact that the speaker does not want to see the person they are talking about.
The em dash can be a helpful tool in writing, but it is important not to overuse it. When used sparingly, the em dash can add clarity or emphasis to a sentence. However, when used too frequently, the em dash can make a sentence appear choppy or unclear. As with all punctuation marks, it is best to use the em dash sparingly and only when it is truly needed.