- The em dash keyboard shortcut differs depending on if you're using a Mac or PC.
- On a PC, you can use an Emoji keyboard or type the 'Alt Code,' Alt + 0151.
- On a Mac, you simply need to use the Option, Shift, and Minus keys.
I'll admit it — I'm nerdy enough to have opinions about grammar, especially about the em dash. Ah, the em dash — a punctuation mark so spectacular, the entire keyboard wasn't enough to contain its glory.
If you're among the uninitiated and have no idea what I'm talking about: the em dash (the — symbol here) might just be the most superior punctuation mark there is. The em dash can tie independent clauses together like a sailor's knot, represent interruptions in thought, and more. If you can think it, the emdash can do it.
- If you're just using em-dashes for stylistic breaks-like this-the built-in dash conversion should do what you need. Make sure it's enabled: Tools AutoCorrect AutoCorrect Options Options and select 'Replace Dashes'. Then, when you type a word, two hyphens, another word, and finally a space, the two hypens will be replaced with an em-dash.
- An em dash, or long dash, is used. In pairs, to mark off information or ideas that are not essential to an understanding of the rest of the sentence: Thousands of children—like the girl in this photograph—have been left homeless.
The em dash is also stylistically beautiful, in both its visual appearance and diverse grammatical usage, making it many writers' favorite — especially poets (like me).
For some writers, the em dash is a vice that their editors occasionally forgive but more often forbid. It has been duly cast as an alluring alternative to the comma, colon, semicolon and full stop.
It's not, however, found on most keyboards. To use an em dash on your Mac or PC, you'll need to use some quick keyboard shortcuts. Here's what you'll need to know.
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How to use the em dash keyboard shortcut on a PC
There are two options for the em dash keyboard shortcut on Windows operating systems:
- The Windows emoji keyboard. The Windows emoji keyboard is an on-screen keyboard that allows you to type emojis instead of letters. Press the Windows key and the period (.) at the same time to open it, then select the Symbols icon. You can pick out and click on the em dash from there.
- Alt codes. Alt codes are basically keyboard shortcuts that don't require you to press many keys at once, but instead require that you hold down the Alt key and then type a specific, multi-digit code on your numpad. To make an em dash, press and hold Alt, then type 0151.
Sadly, alt codes don't work on many laptop keyboards — you'll need to have a numpad to use them. If you're using a laptop that doesn't have a numpad, you'll need to use the Windows emoji keyboard method.
How to use the em dash keyboard shortcut on a Mac
Mac operating systems all have the same shortcut for the em dash, which makes the process quick and simple.
Press Option + Shift + Minus (that's -, the key right next to 0 at the top of your keyboard). The em dash will appear immediately.
© Apple; skitching by William Antonelli/Business InsiderRelated coverage from Tech Reference:
An em dash, or long dash, is used:
- in pairs, to mark off information or ideas that are not essential to an understanding of the rest of the sentence:
Thousands of children—like the girl in this photograph—have been left homeless.
My son—where has he gone?—would like to meet you.
- to show other kinds of break in a sentence where a comma, semicolon, or colon would be traditionally used:
One thing’s for sure—he doesn’t want to face the truth.
Em Dash Shortcut Hp
Things have changed a lot in the last year—mainly for the better.
Note that there is no space added on either side of an em dash.
Em dashes are especially common in informal writing, such as personal emails or blogs, but it’s best to use them sparingly when you are writing formally.
Back toPunctuation.
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