Blog Posts
Correct Use of Em (—) Dashes in Academic Writing — A Guide
The em dash is a powerful punctuation mark with a long history in English writing, often used to create emphasis, set off lists, or clarify ideas more strongly than commas or parentheses. In academic writing, understanding when to use em dashes—and when their use is considered improper—can improve clarity, style, and adherence to formal writing standards.
Ross Prager
Aug 25, 2025