The double dash, also known as the em dash or long dash, is a punctuation mark used in writing to indicate a break in thought, set off a parenthetical remark, or separate clauses. It is called a "double dash" because it is often represented by two consecutive hyphens (--). However, in professional typesetting and digital publishing, the em dash is usually represented by a single, longer glyph (—). The double dash has become increasingly popular in informal writing, such as blog posts, social media, and text messages, due to its ease of typing.
The use of the double dash can be traced back to the early days of typing, where it was used as a substitute for the em dash. The em dash is a part of the Unicode character set and is represented by the code U+2014. In HTML, it can be represented by the entity —. The double dash, on the other hand, is not a standard punctuation mark and is not recognized by most style guides.
How to Use the Double Dash
Using the double dash is relatively straightforward. It can be used in place of commas, parentheses, or semicolons to set off a parenthetical remark or separate clauses. For example:
I went to the store—but I forgot to buy milk.
In this example, the double dash is used to set off the parenthetical remark "but I forgot to buy milk." The sentence could also be written using commas or parentheses:
I went to the store, but I forgot to buy milk.
I went to the store (but I forgot to buy milk).
Advantages of the Double Dash
The double dash has several advantages over traditional punctuation marks. For one, it is easy to type and can be used in a variety of contexts. It is also highly versatile and can be used to indicate a range of different things, from a break in thought to a change in tone.
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Easy to type | The double dash is simple to type, using only two consecutive hyphens. |
| Versatile | The double dash can be used in a range of contexts to indicate different things. |
| Informal tone | The double dash can be used to create an informal tone, making it popular in social media and text messages. |
Key Points
- The double dash is a punctuation mark used to indicate a break in thought or set off a parenthetical remark.
- The double dash is often represented by two consecutive hyphens (--).
- The em dash (—) is a longer glyph that is often used in professional typesetting and digital publishing.
- The double dash is easy to type and highly versatile.
- The double dash can be used to create an informal tone.
Best Practices for Using the Double Dash
While the double dash can be a useful punctuation mark, there are some best practices to keep in mind. For one, it's essential to use it sparingly and only when necessary. Overusing the double dash can make your writing look amateurish and cluttered.
It's also important to be consistent in your use of the double dash. If you choose to use it in your writing, make sure to use it consistently throughout the piece.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake to avoid when using the double dash is to confuse it with the single hyphen (-). The single hyphen is used to join two words together or indicate a range, while the double dash is used to indicate a break in thought or set off a parenthetical remark.
Another mistake to avoid is to use the double dash in place of other punctuation marks, such as commas or semicolons. While the double dash can be used in some cases where these marks would be used, it's not always the best choice.
What is the difference between a double dash and an em dash?
+The double dash is represented by two consecutive hyphens (–), while the em dash is a longer glyph (—) often used in professional typesetting and digital publishing.
When should I use a double dash in my writing?
+You can use a double dash to indicate a break in thought, set off a parenthetical remark, or separate clauses. However, use it sparingly and only when necessary.
Can I use a double dash in formal writing?
+While the double dash can be used in formal writing, it’s generally recommended to use the em dash or other traditional punctuation marks instead. The double dash is more commonly used in informal writing.