Tips from the Writing Center: Dashes

Although dashes can enhance readability and style, academic writing generally favors more conventional punctuation, such as commas, colons and parentheses, to maintain formality and precision. Overuse of dashes may make writing appear informal or disorganized. However, when used sparingly, the dash can be an effective tool for emphasis or for clarifying complex ideas. In academic contexts, writers should consider their audience and discipline to determine whether the dash is appropriate for their work.

In standard academic English, the dash is used to add emphasis, indicate interruptions or clarify relationships between ideas. Unlike commas or parentheses, which provide a softer break, the dash creates a stronger pause, drawing attention to the enclosed information.

For example, in a sentence like: Many researchers argue against the policy—citing ethical concerns and data limitations—it is clear that opposition is widespread, the dash signals an abrupt shift in thought.

In research papers, dashes can also be useful for defining key terms or inserting additional explanations within a sentence. However, excessive reliance on dashes can disrupt the logical flow of writing, making arguments appear less structured. Writers should ensure that their use of dashes aligns with the conventions of their academic field and enhances clarity rather than creating unnecessary ambiguity.

- submitted by Brian Harrell, Writing Center specialist