# Dashes

This page explains when to use em dashes. For information about hyphens, see the following:

- [Hyphens](https://developers.google.com/style/hyphens)
- [Ranges of numbers](https://developers.google.com/style/numbers#ranges-of-numbers)
- [Ranges of numbers with units](https://developers.google.com/style/units-of-measure#ranges)

## Em dashes

To indicate a break in the flow of a sentence---or an interruption---use an em
dash, also known as a long dash. Don't put a space before or after it.

You can type the em dash character in various ways:

HTML
:   \—

macOS
:   Press <kbd>Option+Shift+hyphen</kbd>.

Linux desktop environment
:   Enable the Compose key (instructions for doing that vary depending on
    your flavor of Linux---for examples, see [Linux Keyboard Shortcuts For
    Text Symbols](http://fsymbols.com/keyboard/linux/compose/)). After the Compose key is enabled, you can create an em dash
    by typing the Compose key followed by three hyphens.
:   Alternatively, press <kbd>Control+Shift+U</kbd>. Let go of those keys, and then type
    <kbd>2014</kbd>. Then press <kbd>Return</kbd>.
:

    > [!NOTE]
    > **Note** : These Linux options don't work if you're signed in to the Linux command line from a remote system using `ssh` or the like; you have to be in a Linux desktop environment.

Windows
:   Turn num lock on, and then hold down the left <kbd>Alt</kbd> key and type <kbd>0151</kbd>
    on the numeric keypad.

Don't use an en dash (the shorter dash) or a hyphen in place of an em dash.
The use of an en dash with spaces around it in place of
an em dash is gradually becoming more common, but it's still not very widespread
in the US in professional publishing; so far (as of early 2016), it's mostly
used in Canada and a few other places. For now, only use the em dash.

## En dashes

Don't use. Instead, use a hyphen or the word *to*. For more information, see
the following:

- [Ranges of numbers with units](https://developers.google.com/style/units-of-measure#ranges)
- [Range of numbers](https://developers.google.com/style/hyphens#number-range)

## Colons instead of dashes in description lists

Another common but nonstandard construction is to use an em dash, an en dash, or a hyphen
surrounded by spaces to separate an item and its description. Instead, use
[a colon or a period](https://developers.google.com/style/lists#description-lists-that-use-run-in-headings).
For a series of items, use
[an HTML description list](https://developers.google.com/style/lists#description-lists) (`<dl>`).

Recommended: Example: This is an
example.

Not recommended: Example - This is
an example.

Recommended: Appendix A: My first
appendix

Not recommended: Appendix A---My first
appendix
Recommended:

```
    <dl>
      <dt>Example</dt>
      <dd>This is an example.</dd>
      <dt>Another example</dt>
      <dd>This is another example.</dd>
    </dl>
    
```