En dash definitions
| Word backwards | ne hsad |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | en dash: en-dash |
| Plural | The plural of en dash is en dashes. |
| Total letters | 6 |
| Vogais (2) | e,a |
| Consonants (4) | n,d,s,h |
What is an En Dash?
An en dash is a punctuation mark that is slightly longer than a hyphen but shorter than an em dash. It is typically used to indicate a range of numbers or dates, such as "pages 10–20" or "Monday–Friday." The en dash gets its name because it is approximately the width of a lowercase 'n' in traditional typesetting.
Usage of the En Dash
One of the primary uses of the en dash is to represent inclusive ranges, such as dates, times, or numerical values. It can also be used to connect words that are conceptually related but not part of a compound phrase, like the "New York–Paris flight." Additionally, the en dash is used in place of the word "to" to express a connection or relationship between words or concepts.
How to Type an En Dash
While the en dash may not be as commonly used as the hyphen or em dash, it is still an important punctuation mark in the English language. To type an en dash on a computer, you can usually do so by using a keyboard shortcut. On a Windows computer, you can press "Alt" plus "0150" on the numeric keypad. On a Mac, you can press "Option" plus "-" to create an en dash.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the en dash is a versatile punctuation mark that is used to indicate ranges, connections, and relationships in written text. By understanding how and when to use the en dash, you can improve the clarity and readability of your writing. Remember to use en dashes sparingly and correctly to enhance the overall structure of your text.
En dash Examples
- Heidi, an English teacher at an international school, teaches classes from 8:00 – 12:00.
- The team worked on the project together from March – June.
- The store is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Jamie studied abroad in Spain from January – May.
- The recipe calls for 1 1/2 – 2 cups of flour.
- The conference will take place in Barcelona, Spain – a popular destination for tourists.
- The bookstore is hosting a book signing event on Saturday – don't miss it!
- The store's hours are 9:00 am – 10:00 pm on weekdays.
- The marathon will take place on Sunday from 7:00 – 11:00 am.
- The festival runs from June – August, featuring live music and food vendors.