Created by: kkirsche
English grammar states that an en-dash should be used, not a hyphen between two years.
Examples of each
em-dash: — en-dash: – hyphen: -
Em-dash
An em-dash is typically used as a stand-in for a comma or parenthesis to separate out phrases—or even just a word—in a sentence for various reasons (i.e. an appositive). Examples where an em-dash should be used:
- School is based on the three R’s—reading, writing, and ’rithmetic.
- Against all odds, Pete—the unluckiest man alive—won the lottery.
- I sense something; a presence I've not felt since—
En-dash
An en-dash is used to connect values in a range or that are related. A good rule is to use it when you're expressing a "to" relationship. Examples where an en-dash should be used:
- in years 1939–1945
- pages 31–32 may be relevant
- New York beat Los Angeles 98–95
- When American English would use an em-dash – following British and Canadian conventions.
Hyphen
A hyphen is used to join words in a compound construction, or separate syllables of a word, like during a line break, or (self-evidently) a hyphenated name.
- pro-American
- cruelty-free eggs
- em-dash
- it's pronounced hos-pi-tal-it-tee
- Olivia Newton-John