Em dash it all

Em dashes have been the topic of writing and editing culture for quite some time. We've all seen them, but what are they?

Em dashes are used to replace commas, semicolons, parathesis, and colons. They can be used pretty universally. They are used to set off additional information, usually added facts, examples, explanatory and descriptive phrases, and even show disruption in thoughts and interruptions in dialogue.

When using em dashes, you'll want to pay attention to the frequency of use. Keep in mind that disruptive punctuation---while able to be used in multiple situations---should be used sparingly and go with the formatting of your manuscript.

✔️ HOW TO USE EM DASHES WELL

1. To create a sharp interruption

Used when someone is cut off or cuts themselves off.

Correct: “I didn’t mean—” “You meant exactly that.”

2. To insert a dramatic or clarifying aside

This is the most common fiction use.

Correct: Luke’s father—stoic, broad‑shouldered, impossible to read—said nothing.

3. To replace parentheses for a more emotional or immediate feel

Parentheses feel quiet; em dashes feel active.

Correct: She opened the envelope—of course it was empty.

4. To create emphasis at the end of a sentence

This gives the final phrase extra punch.

Correct: He’d do anything for them—anything.

5. To show a sudden shift in thought

Useful in internal monologue.

Correct: She should leave—no, she needed to leave.

❌ HOW NOT TO USE EM DASHES

1. Don’t use them when a comma is correct

If the sentence flows naturally, a comma is cleaner.

Incorrect: “This is the second time”—the exec said.

Correct: “This is the second time,” the executive said.

2. Don’t use them to glue unrelated sentences together

If both sides could stand alone, use a period or semicolon.

Incorrect: She grabbed her keys—she needed to get out of there.

Correct: She grabbed her keys. She needed to get out of there.

3. Don’t stack too many in one sentence

One or two is fine. More becomes visual noise.

Incorrect: Callie—angry—tired—done—walked out.

Correct: Callie—angry, tired, done—walked out.

4. Don’t use them when you actually need a colon

If you’re introducing something formally, a colon is cleaner.

Incorrect: He brought everything he needed—rope, tape, gloves.

Correct: He brought everything he needed: rope, tape, gloves.

5. Don’t use them for every dramatic pause

Overuse dulls the effect.

Incorrect: She looked up—saw him—froze—waited.

Correct: She looked up, saw him, froze, waited.

Use these powerful tools correctly and you'll enhance your writing, voice, and characters in one fell swoop!

Happy Writing!