En dash slightly longer than a hyphen
Em dash slightly longer than an en dash
Slash /
Backslash \
Hyphen
A hyphen is used when two words are joined together to function as an adjective (or compound modifier) before a noun.
(Some stylebooks [e.g., AP Style] retain hyphens after a noun, especially when connected with a to be verb.)
A hyphen is used when two words are joined together to function as an adjective (or compound modifier) before a noun.
Before a noun, hyphenate:
This is a load-bearing wall.
After a noun, no hyphen:
This wall is load bearing.
This wall is load-bearing.
Hyphens are often used with prefixes—letters or words added to the front of an existing word to create a new meaning.
self-service ex-girlfriend all-inclusive cross-country
Hyphens are often used with suffixes—letters or words attached to the end of an existing word to create a new meaning.
president-elect
Do not hyphenate ly adverbs that are part of compound modifiers.
En Dashes
En dashes are used for ranges between numbers and dates.
25-350 5-4 1960-1978
Em Dashes
Em dashes can be used for abrupt changes of thought, asides, or emphasis; they are used instead of commas or parentheses.
Hyphens are often used with prefixes—letters or words added to the front of an existing word to create a new meaning.
self-service ex-girlfriend all-inclusive cross-country
Hyphens are often used with suffixes—letters or words attached to the end of an existing word to create a new meaning.
president-elect
Do not hyphenate ly adverbs that are part of compound modifiers.
Sue and James are a happily married couple.
In MLA Style, numbers between twenty-one and ninety-nine are hyphenated. Numbers that are more than two words are written out in numerals.
En Dashes
En dashes are used for ranges between numbers and dates.
25-350 5-4 1960-1978
Em Dashes
Em dashes can be used for abrupt changes of thought, asides, or emphasis; they are used instead of commas or parentheses.
An archer has an awareness of what his goal is—hitting a target.
Certain sports—football, hockey, and soccer—are hard on his knees.
Slashes
Certain sports—football, hockey, and soccer—are hard on his knees.
Slashes
A slash is used to mean or, and, through, or per.
If one likes the car, he/she can take it out for a drive.
The job pays $80/day.
A dull coat and/or lethargy are signs of poor health in cats.
In the 1979/80 term, she accomplished most or her goals.
Slashes are used in dates.
3/19/64
3/19/1964
Many web addresses have backslashes (\).
Most stylebooks do not suggest a space on each side of a hyphen, en dash, or em dash. AP Style places a space on each side.
