6/30/2023 0 Comments Long dash for mac word 2016![]() The words it connects go by different names, such as adjectival phrases, open compounds, phrasal compounds, or double compounds. ![]() Note that this is the most controversial use of the “en” dash. The “en” dash helps to join compound adjectives when one part of the phrase is not hyphenated, as in Post–World War II or ex–prime minister.The “en” dash suggests contests, substituting for the words “to,” “for,” “against,” or “versus,” as in USWNT won 10–0 over Puerto Rico or US–Iraq war.The “en” dash indicates direction, such as north–south or LA–Phoenix.In this case, it substitutes for words such as “to,” “from,” or “between,” so omit those words when using it. “En” dashes connect ranges, such as Monday–Friday or 1950–65.The purpose of this article is not to delineate all uses of the marks of punctuation, but to identify such uses as are common to writers of scientific and technical publications.Ĭreate the “En” Dash on a PC: En Dash = Ctrl + Num –Ĭreate the “En” Dash on a MAC: option/alt + hyphen/minus sign For example, creative writers may choose to use the “em” dash to indicate interruptions in dialogue, by others or by oneself, as in the case of stream-of-consciousness writing.Ĭreative writers may also use consecutive “em” dashes to omit letters, as in “Count D- returned that night by coach to F- Hall.” Editors of ancient or medieval manuscripts can use consecutive “em” dashes to indicate missing words, such as when lacunae appear in a damaged manuscript. Today, these are variable according to the word processing program and the computer language the writer is using, so the terms are historical rather than descriptive.Īs a matter of style, some uses, particularly of the “em” dash, are relegated to creative rather than technical writing. The names “en” and “em” dash are derived from typesetters’ descriptions of the font sizes. Government writers should consult the GPO 8.60–8.75. As you are already aware, style guides differ, so check yours for specific guidance. (In this case, we are working with a subset of grammar, orthography, the study of spelling and punctuation.) This article is intended to provide a broad overview of the two punctuation marks. Writers should first be aware that the distinction between the “em” dash, and the “en” dash is a matter of style, not grammar. So, for today, I will swallow my ire and explain the distinctions as best I can. However, I cannot deny that editors using the Associated Press Stylebook, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, the Council of Science Editor's Scientific Style & Format, or the Government Printing Office Style Manual, among many others, continue to maintain the distinction, and it does my poor writers no good for me to rail against the practice when they still have to struggle with it. Personally, I feel that the distinction between the “em” dash, and the “en” dash is the pickiest, most useless, and most irritating of all the distinctions that editors continue to maintain. Neither will result in a productive use of anyone’s time. If you ever wish to extend a work meeting, ask one of two questions: How many spaces belong after a period? or What is the difference between an “em” dash and an “en” dash? Either is guaranteed to prolong the discussion by at least 30 minutes.
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