Correct Use of Em (—) Dashes in Academic Writing — A Guide

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The em dash (—) is one of the most versatile punctuation marks in the English language. Once viewed as too informal for scholarly work, it is now gaining some acceptance in academic writing, particularly as digital communication reshapes stylistic norms. This guide outlines the history, best practices, and pitfalls (ahem... ChatGPT) for using em dashes effectively in academic contexts.

Historical Use of Em Dashes

Early limited use in formal writing

The em dash has been part of English punctuation since at least the 18th century, primarily serving as a replacement for commas or parentheses to create emphasis or indicate interruption. Its use was stylistically notable in the works of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who relied on it heavily to convey abrupt shifts in thought and rhythm. However, traditional academic style guides discouraged its use, favoring stricter punctuation such as colons, semicolons, or parentheses in the interest of clarity and formality. Only in more recent decades has the em dash gained broader acceptance, particularly in creative nonfiction and digital writing, where it is valued for its flexibility and conversational tone.

"The overcoming of morality by itself, through truthfulness, the moralist's overcoming of himself in his opposite—in me—that is what the name Zarathustra means in my mouth." Nietzsche - Ecce homo (Written 1888)

Association with informal or stylistic writing

For much of the 20th century, the em dash was regarded as a feature of journalistic and literary prose, rather than academic texts. Its perceived informality made it uncommon in scholarly journals, particularly in the sciences.

The Increasing Use of Em Dashes in Modern Writing

Adoption in general professional and journalistic writing

Writers and editors in mainstream journalism popularized the em dash for its ability to add clarity and rhythm to sentences. Its flexibility — functioning in place of commas, parentheses, or colons — allowed for smoother reading, especially in complex sentences.

Influence of digital and online formats

The rise of online writing platforms has further normalized em dashes. Digital communication often favors readability, and em dashes provide a visually clear way to separate or emphasize information without overwhelming readers with punctuation.

Em Dashes in Academic Writing Today

Growing acceptance in scholarly communication

Although many academic style manuals (e.g., APA, Chicago, MLA) still encourage restraint, em dashes are increasingly tolerated in academic prose, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. They are valued for creating emphasis and clarifying sentence structure without excessive punctuation.

The role of AI-generated text and stylistic shifts

A key reason for the resurgence of em dashes is their frequent appearance in AI-generated writing. Language models often default to em dashes to connect ideas, shaping a recognizable stylistic pattern. This constant exposure has made the em dash feel more natural to modern readers and writers, increasing its acceptance in academic contexts. At the same time, overusing them risks making writing appear AI-generated.

Example of effective use of em dashes in academic prose

The study identified three key variables — socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, and education — that influenced the outcome.

The em dashes clarify the sentence by cleanly setting off the list of variables, making it immediately clear that the three items are explanatory details rather than part of the main clause.

Notable Figures and Writing Style Trends

Sam Altman’s frequent use of em dashes in public writing

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is known for his frequent use of em dashes in essays, blog posts, and social media, reflecting a broader shift toward digital-first communication where em dashes help maintain flow. Some have speculated that his personal writing style may have influenced the prevalence of em dashes in AI-generated text from ChatGPT, though it is more likely that both simply reflect patterns in the broader body of contemporary writing on which large language models are trained.

Guidelines for Using Em Dashes in Academic Writing

When em dashes are appropriate

• To set off nonessential information or parenthetical elements
• To create emphasis in lists or explanations
• To clarify sentence structure when commas may create confusion
• To supplement not replace standard punctuation

Differences between em dashes, en dashes, and hyphens

The em dash, en dash, and hyphen differ in length, function, and usage in academic writing. The em dash (—), about the width of an “M,” is used to set off parenthetical information, emphasize a point, or separate elements in complex sentences, though style guides vary on spacing and caution against overuse. The en dash (–), the width of an “N,” is standard for indicating ranges such as dates, page numbers, or connecting related terms, and should not be replaced with a hyphen. The hyphen (-), the shortest of the three, joins words into compounds or breaks words at line endings, and is essential in ensuring clarity in compound adjectives.

Common Pitfalls using Em dashes and How to Avoid Them

Mixing dash types inconsistently

Do not substitute hyphens for em dashes. Each dash type has distinct rules and should be applied consistently.

Formatting errors in different style guides

Some style manuals require spacing before and after the em dash (e.g., “word — word”), while others recommend no spaces (“word—word”). Always follow the journal or institution’s requirements.

Final Notes on Professional Usage of Em Dashes

The em dash has evolved from a rarely used mark in academic writing to a more accepted stylistic tool. Its increased visibility — through both influential public figures and the prevalence of AI-generated text — has accelerated its adoption in scholarly contexts.

When used appropriately like the sentence above, the em dash can improve readability, add emphasis, and reduce ambiguity. However, moderation and adherence to style guidelines remain essential for maintaining professionalism in academic work.

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