Template:Em

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This template outputs an inline "em dash" character, as opposed to the shorter "en dash" (–), or the even shorter hyphen (-). If you are looking at this template page already, you may simply copy and paste the dash into the desired text rather than use the template.

This dash is approximately the width of an M (hence "em" dash) and is used to create a break in the flow of a sentence. This could be used similarly to a colon or semicolon — separating two clauses in a sentence — or in pairs like commas or parentheses to note "asides" with additional or secondary information, including lists. They may also be used as a "blank" to represent missing characters or words. On Magic cards, em dashes are used on the type line to separate card types from subtypes, as well as in a number of rules text constructions such as the prompt to "Choose one —" for a modal spell, keywords with a cost written out rather than using mana symbols (e.g. Vicious Offering) and for ability words. Em dashes cannot be typed on a typical keyboard, although typing two hyphens is a common substitute and most word processors can automatically replace them with the dash.

Usage

This template can be used normally or with its alias, named as a single hyphen — {{em}} or {{-}}.

It has no parameters.