03/25/2026
Great visualization:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AqdndLAY2/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The hyphen is used to connect words, like you say.
Ex: Twenty-two, ex-boyfriend.
The en-dash is used in the context of a span of time.
Ex: 1996-2018, February-March.
The em-dash is used when inserting a thought.
Ex:He wouldn't—couldn't—go home.