Hyphens and Dashes
Hyphen | Dashes | Em Dash | En Dash
Hyphens are used for different reasons than dashes. The following paragraphs explain the distinctions.
Hyphen
Use a hyphen
- When two- or three-word modifiers precede the noun.
- To reduce confusion or ease the reading of compound words and
some prefixes for words.
re-sign (as opposed to resign), burn-in, P-N junction, non-deposition phase
NOTE: Most prefixes are no longer hyphenated. A usage table for common prefixes is in The Chicago Manual of Style.
high-volume, cost-competitive semiconductor production
- To add a prefix to a proper noun.
- To show relationship when the first element or prefix for a
compound term must temporarily stand alone.
one- or two-page description, high- or low-level radiation
mid-January timeframe
Do not use a hyphen
- When compound modifiers follow the noun.
- When compound modifiers combine an adverb and adjective.
- When adjectives are composed of foreign words (unless they
are always hyphenated).
in situ measurement
a priori argument
high-volume semiconductor production that is cost competitive
highly sensitive material
optimally focused lens
Dashes
There are two basic types of dash: an em dash (—) and an en dash (–). When using dashes, keep in mind
- Dashes are not surrounded by spaces.
- The first word after a dash within a sentence is not capitalized unless it is a proper noun.
Em Dash
Use an em dash to
- Set off an explanatory or appositive series
- Set off parenthetical elements more sharply and emphatically
- Set off a phrase that typically requires commas, but one in which
using commas would cause confusion
Knowledge from the SEMATECH member companies, America's equipment and material suppliers (SEMI/SEMATECH), and the Department of Defense (DOD) are brought into SEMATECH—along with information from American universities, research institutions, government laboratories and agencies, and the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC).
The company has established a worldwide customer base in all major markets—the U.S., Europe, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
The 1990 plan—both the planning process and the finished product—attests to the increasing level of maturity and effectiveness at SEMATECH.
En Dash
Use an en dash to
- indicate a range
May–June
pp. 21–34
