The Proposal in Question
In a recent post on his social media platform, X, Elon Musk declared that the rules of English grammar need an update. His target was the em dash (—), the long dash often used to set off a parenthetical phrase, much like this one. Musk argued that the em dash is 'an
unpleasantly long line' and that it too closely resembles a hyphenated word when used without spaces. His solution? Replace it with the shorter en dash (–). 'The en dash, ‘–’, is a better length,' he stated, adding that there should also be spaces around it to improve readability.
A Tale of Two Dashes
For those not steeped in the finer points of punctuation, the distinction between an em dash and an en dash can seem minor. Typographically, their names come from their width; the em dash is traditionally the width of a capital 'M', while the en dash is the width of a capital 'N'. Their functions are also distinct. The em dash is a versatile, almost dramatic mark used to signal an interruption, an aside, or an amplification of a thought—as used here. The en dash, by contrast, is a quieter connector, most commonly used to indicate a range (e.g., pages 7–13) or to link words in a compound adjective (e.g., a World War II–era film). The hyphen (-), the shortest of the three, is used for joining words together ('state-of-the-art') or breaking a word at the end of a line.
The Case for a Shorter Dash
While Musk’s suggestion might sound like a random musing, he’s not entirely alone in his thinking. Some highly respected typographers have argued for a similar approach. Robert Bringhurst, author of 'The Elements of Typographic Style'—often considered a bible for designers—recommends using a spaced en dash in place of a closed-up em dash. The argument is that the long, unspaced em dash can create visual tension and disrupt the flow and texture of a block of text. On digital screens, where fonts can render unpredictably, a shorter, spaced dash might indeed be 'easier on the eye,' creating a more balanced and readable line of text. Furthermore, some style guides, particularly in British English, already favour the spaced en dash for parenthetical phrases.
The Pushback from Purists
However, many established style guides, including the influential Chicago Manual of Style, still champion the unspaced em dash for creating pauses in text. For many writers and editors, the em dash is not just punctuation; it's a powerful tool for controlling rhythm and voice. It provides a sharp, definitive break that a spaced en dash might soften. The em dash is seen as more emphatic and versatile, capable of replacing commas, colons, and parentheses to create a specific stylistic effect. The concern is that replacing it with a spaced en dash would be a step toward typographic homogenisation, losing a tool that adds a unique flavour to prose. Some argue the em dash is 'syntactic duct tape,' a flexible solution that allows writers to pivot a sentence's structure with ease.
Language in the Digital Age
Ultimately, Musk's proposition is less about a single piece of punctuation and more about the evolution of language in the internet era. Digital platforms prioritise speed, clarity, and accessibility. Some modern digital style guides, like Australia's, now advocate for spaced en dashes precisely because screen readers can struggle with unspaced dashes, potentially harming accessibility. In a world of tweets, texts, and instant messages, conventions are constantly being challenged and reshaped by convenience and user experience. Influential figures like Musk can accelerate these changes simply by starting a conversation that reaches millions. While he may not singlehandedly rewrite the grammar books, his comment highlights an ongoing tension between traditional rules and the practical demands of modern, screenbased communication.
