Hyphens and dashes

Hyphens and dashes are types of punctuation. They can be used to clarify meaning, indicate ranges or create a break in a sentence.

However, avoid using them, if possible, as they can:

• make text harder to read and understand
• be misread by screen readers

Hyphens

A hyphen (‐) is a type of dash that can be used to link words together to clarify their meaning.

If text is confusing or ambiguous without a hyphen, rewrite it to make it clearer. For example, use 'trees that are 250 years old' instead of '250-year-old trees'.

Only use a hyphen:

• in text that's confusing without hyphens and can't be rewritten
• to distinguish words from similar ones, such as:
  • 're-sort'
  • 'co-op'
  • 're-form'
• for words starting 'e-' (as a prefix), such as 'e-commerce' (not 'email')
• words starting 're-e', such as 're-evaluate'

Do not hyphenate:

• email
• reinvent
• reopen
• reorder
• reuse

Check the Cambridge Dictionary if you're not sure whether to use a hyphen or not.

Dashes

Create a break in a sentence

Avoid using a dash (—) to create a break in a sentence. Use a comma or colon instead or rewrite the sentence.

For example, use 'the regeneration project is underway and aims to revitalise the area. It includes new housing and improves transport links', rather than 'the regeneration project — including new housing and improved transport links — is underway and aims to revitalise the area'.

Indicate ranges

Avoid using a dash (–) to indicate ranges, use 'to' instead. For example:

• 10 November to 21 December
• 3pm to 4pm
• 2026 to 2027
• Parkway Road to Station Avenue