The hyphen is a flexible punctuation mark that may add model and readability to your writing. However, discovering the easiest way to insert it into Microsoft Word will be difficult.
Luckily, Word affords a fast automated choice to insert a hyphen effortlessly. If this methodology would not meet your wants, don’t fret: There are three different easy handbook strategies you should use to make sure your paperwork look polished {and professional}.
Understand the distinction between an en sprint and an em sprint
Hyphen and hyphen are two completely different punctuation marks used for varied functions.
Em Dash (—)
The em sprint (—) features as a comma, colon, or parenthesis. According to Merriam-Webstercan spotlight further data, corresponding to examples, explanations, or descriptive sentences. The hyphen also can introduce a clause that explains or expands on one thing that precedes it.
When utilized in inventive writing, an em hyphen can serve many features, corresponding to indicating a pause in thought, framing a sentence in parentheses, and even including drama to a sentence.
An em sprint is longer than a touch or sprint.
In the sprint (–)
The hyphen, in distinction, is used to point a spot (pages 25–40) or to point out a connection or distinction between phrases (Sydney-Tokyo flight). It is longer than a touch however shorter than a touch.
4 Ways to Insert a Hyphen in Microsoft Word
There are 4 essential methods to insert an em sprint in Word.
1. Use Word’s automated formatting
To insert a hyphen, kind two hyphens (utilizing the minus key) instantly after the phrase the place you need the hyphen to seem. Then, kind the subsequent phrase after the hyphens and press the area bar.
Word ought to routinely flip hyphens right into a hyphen between two phrases of textual content.
SEE: How to verify the readability and compatibility of your Word paperwork
You needn’t put areas between phrases or hyphens, as this will likely trigger Word to transform the hyphens to a shorter sprint as an alternative of an em sprint.
If this methodology would not work, you could must verify and allow Word’s automated formatting function.
2. Use keyboard shortcuts
To insert an em sprint utilizing the keyboard in Windows, use the next keyboard shortcut:
Press Ctrl + Alt + – (on the numeric keypad)
If you are utilizing a Mac, the keyboard shortcut is barely completely different. In this case it’s best to use:
Press Shift + Option + –
3. Use the image menu
Em dashes will be inserted utilizing the Symbols menu in Word as a result of it’s a particular character.
First, ensure the cursor is blinking on the location the place you need to insert the hyphen within the doc.
SEE: Alternatives to phrases which can be exponentially higher and extra dependable
Go to the Insert tab within the Word menu bar ribbon and choose the Symbols menu. From the drop-down menu, discover “More Symbols” and “Special Characters,” then choose the em sprint to insert it.
4. Use Unicode
You also can insert an em sprint utilizing the Unicode 2014 worth.
First, click on the place you need to insert the em sprint within the doc. Type the Unicode worth “2014” and press Alt and X on the similar time. Word ought to convert the 2014 to an em sprint.
Em dashes can help your writing
Em dashes will be tough to grasp in writing, however inserting them right into a Word doc would not must be. By following certainly one of these 4 easy strategies you can begin including dashes to textual content in Word immediately. Mastering this versatile punctuation mark can enhance your writing, including readability, model, and emphasis the place it issues most.
