published May 13, 2014 - updated April 4, 2017 
There are two types of dashes: the en dash ( – ) and em dash ( — ).
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When to Use the En Dash:
1. To show periods of time.
Example:
I will be in Poland from the 23rd-25th of April.
2. To combine two open compounds (words that have an adjective and modifying noun to form a new word).
Example:
I attended a real estate-money lender seminar.
When to Use the Em Dash:
1. For emphasis.
Example:
I love you—the only person I will love—forever.
2. A sudden change of thought.
Example:
I wanted you to—oh, never mind.
3. Show a surprise.
Example:
Behind the dark door lurked a languid creature—an old bat who had lost its way.
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