Do You Put A Space After An Em Dash

Do You Put a Space After an Em Dash? Understanding Em Dash Usage

The em dash—a versatile punctuation mark longer than an en dash or a hyphen—serves various purposes in writing, including setting off parenthetical elements, indicating abrupt breaks in thought, and adding emphasis. However, a common question among writers and editors is whether to put a space after an em dash. The short answer is: it depends on the style guide you're following and personal preference, though generally, no spaces are used in modern American English. This article will delve into the proper usage of em dashes, exploring the nuances and guidelines that govern their spacing, to help you navigate this stylistic choice with confidence.

Introduction to the Em Dash

The em dash is a punctuation mark with a length roughly equivalent to the width of a capital "M"—hence its name. It is distinct from both the hyphen (-), which connects words or parts of words, and the en dash (–), which typically indicates a range or connection. The em dash is a powerful tool for adding pauses, interruptions, or clarifications within a sentence.

Key Uses of the Em Dash:

• To Indicate an Abrupt Break: Em dashes can signal a sudden change in thought or speech.
• To Set Off Parenthetical Elements: They can be used in place of commas, parentheses, or colons to set apart additional information.
• To Add Emphasis: An em dash can draw attention to a particular word or phrase.

Should You Add a Space After an Em Dash?

The debate over whether to include a space after an em dash largely boils down to stylistic preference and the conventions of different style guides. Here's a detailed breakdown:

No Space: The Modern American English Standard

In modern American English, the prevailing style is not to use spaces around em dashes. This means the em dash is directly attached to the words before and after it.

• Example: "The dog—a golden retriever—ran across the yard."

This style is favored for its clean and streamlined appearance, as well as its space-saving efficiency. Most contemporary style guides, such as The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and the AP Stylebook, recommend this approach.

Reasons for Omitting Spaces:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Without spaces, the em dash appears more integrated into the sentence, providing a smoother visual flow.
• Modern Conventions: Contemporary style trends lean towards a tighter, more compact presentation of text.
• Clarity: Removing spaces can sometimes reduce ambiguity and make the sentence structure clearer.

Space: The Traditional British English and Some Online Usage

Traditionally, in British English, it was more common to use an em dash with spaces on either side—similar to the usage of an en dash. While this style is becoming less prevalent, it is still sometimes seen. Additionally, some writers and online publications may opt for spaces for aesthetic or personal reasons.

• Example: "The dog — a golden retriever — ran across the yard."

Reasons for Including Spaces:

• Historical Practice: Older British style guides often preferred spaces around em dashes.
• Readability: Some argue that spaces make the em dash more visually distinct, enhancing readability.
• Personal Preference: Writers may choose to use spaces based on their subjective sense of style.

When to Consider Using Spaces

While the no-space rule is generally accepted in American English, there are situations where using spaces around an em dash might be considered:

• Clarity in Complex Sentences: If a sentence is particularly complex, adding spaces might help to visually separate the em dash and the surrounding text.
• Consistency within a Document: If a document already uses spaces around em dashes, maintaining consistency is important.
• Specific Publication Guidelines: Some publications or websites may have their own unique style guidelines that deviate from the norm.

Common Style Guide Recommendations

To make an informed decision about whether to use spaces around em dashes, it's helpful to consult established style guides:

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)

• Recommendation: No spaces around em dashes.
• Example: "The cat—a fluffy Persian—slept on the windowsill."
• Rationale: CMOS emphasizes clarity and consistency, favoring the unspaced em dash for its streamlined appearance.

AP Stylebook

• Recommendation: No spaces around em dashes.
• Example: "The politician—known for his charisma—addressed the crowd."
• Rationale: AP Style prioritizes conciseness and readability, endorsing the unspaced em dash for its efficient use of space.

MLA Handbook

• Recommendation: No spaces around em dashes.
• Example: "The novel—a modern classic—explored themes of alienation."
• Rationale: MLA style aims for consistency and clarity in academic writing, supporting the unspaced em dash for its neat appearance.

APA Style

• Recommendation: APA Style does not explicitly address em dashes but generally follows the convention of no spaces. However, APA recommends using parentheses or commas for parenthetical information. If using an em dash, apply it consistently without spaces.
• Example: "The study—conducted over three years—revealed significant findings."
• Rationale: APA style focuses on precision and clarity in scientific writing, implicitly favoring the unspaced em dash for its formal tone.

How to Type an Em Dash

Typing an em dash can vary depending on your operating system and software:

• Microsoft Word:
  • Type two hyphens (--) in a row, and Word will automatically convert them to an em dash (—).
  • Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + Minus (on the numeric keypad).
• Mac:
  • Use the keyboard shortcut: Option + Shift + Minus.
• HTML:
  • Use the HTML entity: —
• Online Text Editors:
  • Most online text editors will automatically convert two hyphens into an em dash.
  • You can also copy and paste an em dash from a character map or online resource.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using em dashes effectively involves avoiding common pitfalls that can detract from the clarity and flow of your writing:

Overusing Em Dashes

• Mistake: Relying too heavily on em dashes can make your writing seem disjointed and erratic.
• Solution: Use em dashes sparingly, reserving them for situations where they truly enhance the sentence's impact.

Confusing Em Dashes with En Dashes or Hyphens

• Mistake: Incorrectly using an en dash or hyphen in place of an em dash.
• Solution: Understand the distinct purposes of each mark:
  • Hyphen (-): Connects words or parts of words.
  • En Dash (–): Indicates a range or connection between two items.
  • Em Dash (—): Introduces a break, sets off parenthetical elements, or adds emphasis.

Inconsistent Spacing

• Mistake: Using spaces inconsistently around em dashes within the same document.
• Solution: Choose a style (with or without spaces) and adhere to it throughout your writing.

Using Em Dashes for Simple Commas

• Mistake: Replacing ordinary commas with em dashes unnecessarily.
• Solution: Reserve em dashes for instances where a stronger pause or emphasis is needed.

Practical Examples of Em Dash Usage

To illustrate the effective use of em dashes, consider the following examples:

Indicating an Abrupt Break

• "I was about to tell him—wait, never mind."
• "She loved the ocean—or so she thought until the storm."

Setting Off Parenthetical Elements

• "The book—a thrilling mystery—kept me up all night."
• "My favorite flowers—roses and lilies—adorned the table."

Adding Emphasis

• "He promised to be there—no matter what."
• "Success requires hard work—and dedication."

Em Dashes vs. Other Punctuation Marks

Understanding the differences between em dashes and other punctuation marks can help you choose the most appropriate option for your writing:

Em Dashes vs. Commas

• Commas: Used for gentle pauses, separating items in a list, and setting off nonessential clauses.
• Em Dashes: Used for stronger breaks, emphasizing parenthetical elements, and creating a more dramatic effect.

Em Dashes vs. Parentheses

• Parentheses: Used for providing additional information that is less essential to the sentence's meaning.
• Em Dashes: Used for setting off information that is more closely related to the main idea or that deserves greater emphasis.

Em Dashes vs. Colons

• Colons: Used to introduce a list, explanation, or example.
• Em Dashes: Used to create a more abrupt or emphatic introduction.

The Impact of Digital Media

In the digital age, writing styles are constantly evolving, and the use of em dashes is no exception. Online, you may encounter a wider variety of styles, including variations in spacing.

Blogs and Websites

• Many blogs and websites follow the no-space rule for em dashes to maintain a clean and modern appearance.
• However, some websites may opt for spaces to improve readability or to align with their established style guidelines.

Social Media

• On social media platforms, conventions can be more relaxed. Some users may choose to use spaces around em dashes, while others may not.
• Consistency is still important, even in informal writing.

E-books

• E-books generally adhere to the same style guidelines as print books, with most publishers recommending no spaces around em dashes.
• However, self-published authors may have more flexibility in their stylistic choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Em Dashes

Q: Is it ever acceptable to use spaces around em dashes in American English?

• A: While the standard is to avoid spaces, there may be exceptions in complex sentences or when following specific publication guidelines that deviate from the norm.

Q: What's the difference between an em dash and an en dash?

• A: An em dash (—) is longer and used for breaks, parenthetical elements, and emphasis. An en dash (–) is shorter and used to indicate ranges or connections.

Q: How do I know which style guide to follow?

• A: The style guide you should follow depends on the context of your writing. Academic papers typically use MLA or APA, while journalistic writing uses AP Style. For general writing, CMOS is a comprehensive guide.

Q: Can I use em dashes in formal writing?

• A: Yes, but use them sparingly. Em dashes can add emphasis and clarity, but overuse can make your writing seem less formal.

Q: What if I prefer to use spaces around em dashes?

• A: While personal preference matters, it's important to consider your audience and the conventions of the publication or platform you're writing for. Consistency is key, so choose a style and stick to it.

Conclusion: Mastering the Em Dash

In conclusion, the question of whether to put a space after an em dash primarily depends on stylistic conventions. Modern American English typically favors the unspaced em dash, as recommended by leading style guides like The Chicago Manual of Style and the AP Stylebook. While spaces may be used in certain contexts or due to personal preference, consistency and adherence to established guidelines are essential for clear and effective communication. By understanding the nuances of em dash usage and familiarizing yourself with the relevant style guides, you can confidently incorporate this versatile punctuation mark into your writing.