Why is it that computer keyboards don’t come with an em dash on one of the keys? I’m not talking about the hyphen (-) or the en dash (–), I’m talking about the long em dash (—). I would rather use the em dash. I find it more deserving of literary work than the semicolon.
The semicolon seems like such a cold punctuation. The em dash has that warmer feel to it, like a novel that was written ages ago. I should start a petition.
Alright, who’s for the semicolon and who’s for the em dash. Speak up.
2 responses so far ↓
Annie // July 22, 2008 at 11:31 am
The em dash and the semi have nothing to do with each other. A dash is used to set off an interruption or a long apposition.
There are two proper uses of the semicolon: To join two sentences without a coordinating conjunction and to separate items in a series when individual segments contain material set off by commas.
I realize this second description may not be clear, so here’s an example: “He invited his brothers Bob, Bill and Beau; his sisters Mary and Martha; his cousins Lou, Lee, Leslie and Laura.”
Ben // November 4, 2008 at 4:24 pm
Annie, you’re somewhat mistaken. The em-dash can be used to set off an interruption as a ellipsis would; I usually use a spaced en dash for that purpose.
However, the em-dash also has a valid use joining a sentence to an amplifying or explanatory element.
e.g. The boy went through the most terrifying event of his young life—the first day of school.
See the Chicago Manual of Style, 6.88