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Inserting Different Dashes
Summary: Word allows you to use a variety of dashes in your document. These dashes, all of different widths, are easily inserted using the Ctrl key in conjunction with the numeric keypad. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)Typographers use different dashes for different purposes. The only difference between the dashes is their width. For instance, you get one type of dash when you press on the minus key-it is a dash that is very narrow. A longer dash is called an en dash, because it is the same width as a lowercase n. An en-dash is typically used to denote ranges of numbers. Wider still is the em-dash, which is just as wide as a lowercase m. The em-dash is typically used in sentences, as a dash between clauses. To insert an en-dash in your document, hold down the Alt key and type 0150 on the numeric keypad; an em-dash is produced by holding down the Alt key and typing 0151.
Another way to insert the dashes is to use the minus key on the numeric keypad. If you press Ctrl+- (remember, on the numeric keypad) then Word inserts an en-dash. The wider em-dash is inserted by using Ctrl+Alt+-.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (17) applies to the following Microsoft Word versions: 97 2000 2002 2003
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