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Understanding Dashes

1. The Two Main Types of Dashes

Writers typically encounter two types of dashes:

  • Em dash (—)
  • En dash (–)

AP Style treats them very differently.

2. Em Dash (—): AP Style Uses Spaces on Both Sides

This is the most important dash rule in AP Style.

AP Style Rule

Use spaces on both sides of an em dash.

Correct (AP Style)

  • The player scored — and the crowd erupted.
  • The update launched — after months of delays — to positive reviews.
  • The movie — which fans had waited for — broke records.

Incorrect (Chicago/Book Style)

  • The player scored—and the crowd erupted.
  • The update launched—after months of delays—to positive reviews.

AP Style prioritizes readability and clean spacing, especially for mobile.

3. When to Use an Em Dash

The em dash is one of the most flexible punctuation marks in AP Style. Writers use it to:

A. Create a Strong Break in Thought

  • The team was ready — or so they thought.

B. Add Emphasis

  • There was only one possible outcome — victory.

C. Insert an Interruption or Dramatic Pause

  • The coach started to speak — then stopped.

D. Set Off Nonessential Information (Instead of Commas or Parentheses)

  • The player — who had been injured — returned to the game.

This is especially useful when the clause contains commas.

E. Introduce a Summary or Explanation

  • Speed, discipline, teamwork — these are the keys to winning.

4. En Dash (–): Rarely Used in AP Style

AP Style rarely uses the en dash.

Most uses that other style guides assign to the en dash are handled by:

  • Hyphens (-)
  • Em dashes (—)
  • The word “to”

Examples of What AP Style Does NOT Do

Chicago Style:

The 2019–2024 seasons  

  • AP Style:

The 2019-24 seasons  

  • or
  • From 2019 to 2024

AP Style Rule

Use a hyphen, not an en dash, for ranges.

Correct (AP Style)

  • The score was 10-7.
  • The 2020-21 season was historic.
  • The meeting runs from 3 to 5 p.m.

Incorrect

  • The score was 10–7.
  • The 2020–21 season was historic.

AP Style keeps it simple:

👉 En dashes are almost never needed.

5. Common Dash Mistakes Writers Must Avoid

A. Forgetting Spaces Around the Em Dash

Incorrect:

The team won—and celebrated.

Correct:

The team won — and celebrated.

B. Using an Em Dash Instead of a Hyphen

Incorrect:

The 2020—21 season  

Correct:

The 2020-21 season

C. Using an En Dash for Ranges

Incorrect:

The score was 3–2.  

Correct:

The score was 3-2.

D. Overusing Em Dashes

Too many em dashes make writing choppy.

Use them strategically for emphasis or clarity.

6. Examples in Real Article Writing

Em Dash for Emphasis

  • The update launched — and users immediately noticed improvements.

Em Dash for Interruption

  • The player started to speak — but the crowd drowned him out.

Em Dash for Nonessential Info

  • The movie — which fans had anticipated for months — broke records.

Hyphen Instead of En Dash

  • The 2023-24 season begins next week.

7. Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers

Dashes are powerful tools when used correctly.

AP Style Essentials

  • Em dash: Use spaces on both sides
  • En dash: Rarely used — replace with hyphens or “to”
  • Use em dashes for emphasis, interruptions, summaries, and nonessential clauses
  • Avoid overuse to maintain clean, professional flow

Mastering dashes helps contributors produce clean, polished, high‑performing content across every Total Apex vertical — from news to gaming to sports to lifestyle.