Hyphens and dashes: what is the difference?

They look similar, but hyphens and dashes do opposite jobs.

The hyphen (-) joins

• Compound adjectives before a noun: a well-known writer, a ten-year-old girl.
• Some compound words: mother-in-law, self-confidence.
• Numbers: twenty-one.

Note: “The writer is well known” needs no hyphen, because the phrase comes after the noun.

The dash (–) separates

A dash is longer and has a space on each side in British English.

• For an afterthought or emphasis: “I knew who had taken it – I just could not prove it.”
• In pairs, like brackets: “My cousin – who never stops talking – was silent for once.”

Use dashes sparingly

One or two dashes add energy. A dash in every sentence makes writing feel breathless and messy.

Try it: add the correct hyphens to this sentence: “The twelve year old boy wore a bright red jacket and a well worn cap.”