What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hyphen
Example
She is a well-known, award-winning actress. [hyphen: used to connect two adjectives]
Example
The bookshelf is three feet wide. [hyphen: used to indicate a range of measurement]
Example
Please spell your name correctly - we need it for our records. [hyphen: used to divide a word at the end of a line]
dash
Example
I was going to the store - wait, did you hear that noise? [dash: used to indicate a sudden break]
Example
The best part of the party - the cake - was missing. [dash: used to set off a phrase]
Example
I have three favorite colors - blue, green, and purple. [dash: used to replace punctuation]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Hyphens are more commonly used than dashes in everyday writing, as they are used to form compound words and divide words at the end of a line. Dashes are less common but are used to add emphasis or clarity to a sentence.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between hyphen and dash?
Hyphens are considered more formal than dashes, which are often used in informal writing such as emails or social media posts.
