An em-dash is a vague punctuator that is best avoided. Other marks (comma, colon, semicolon, parenthentical commas, parentheses) are almost always better.
Examples: Use a colon where a definition follows, a semicolon between independent clauses, a comma before a simple appositive, parentheses around an interruption carrying commas of its own. The rules of punctuation, although not exacting, are guidance enough that hand-wavy em-dashes can be banished.
In cases where the em-dash is genuinely correct, use -- instead. Add to williamthorsen-writing-preferences.
An em-dash is a vague punctuator that is best avoided. Other marks (comma, colon, semicolon, parenthentical commas, parentheses) are almost always better.
Examples: Use a colon where a definition follows, a semicolon between independent clauses, a comma before a simple appositive, parentheses around an interruption carrying commas of its own. The rules of punctuation, although not exacting, are guidance enough that hand-wavy em-dashes can be banished.
In cases where the em-dash is genuinely correct, use
--instead. Add towilliamthorsen-writing-preferences.