Should You Have Spaces With A Dashed Appositive

Should You Have Spaces with a Dashed Appositive? A Style Guide

The use of spaces with dashed appositives is a stylistic choice that often sparks debate among writers and editors. Understanding the nuances of punctuation and style guides can help you make the right decision for your writing. This article clarifies the rules and offers guidance on when to use spaces and when not to. This will ensure your writing remains clear, consistent, and professionally presented.

What is an Appositive?

Before diving into spaces, let's define the term. An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or explains another noun or noun phrase immediately preceding it. It provides additional information about the preceding noun. When set off by dashes, it creates a distinct, parenthetical element within the sentence. For example, in the sentence "My dog – a fluffy golden retriever – loves to play fetch," "a fluffy golden retriever" is the appositive.

The Great Space Debate: Em Dash vs. En Dash

The style debate mostly revolves around the type of dash used – the em dash (—) or the en dash (–). Both are used to set off appositives, but their application differs slightly regarding spacing.

• Em Dash (—): Style guides are divided on em dash spacing. Some prescribe no spaces around the em dash with appositives (e.g., "My dog—a fluffy golden retriever—loves to play fetch"). Others recommend one space before and after the em dash (e.g., "My dog — a fluffy golden retriever — loves to play fetch").

• En Dash (–): The en dash is generally used less frequently for appositives than the em dash. When used, the general consensus is to use no spaces around it (e.g., "My dog–a fluffy golden retriever–loves to play fetch").

Which Style Should You Choose?

The best approach depends largely on the style guide you're adhering to. If you're writing for a publication or organization, their style guide will dictate the correct usage.

• Chicago Manual of Style: The Chicago Manual of Style generally recommends no spaces around em dashes used with appositives. They also generally prefer the em dash over the en dash in this context.

• AP Stylebook: The Associated Press Stylebook generally favors no spaces around em dashes, mirroring Chicago style's preference in this instance.

• Other Style Guides: Other style guides might have variations, but the trend leans towards no spaces for both em and en dashes in this specific application.

Consistency is Key:

Regardless of the style guide you choose, the most important aspect is consistency. Once you've decided on a style (with or without spaces), stick to it throughout your entire document. Inconsistent spacing can appear unprofessional and detract from the readability of your work.

Beyond Style Guides: Readability and Clarity

While style guides offer valuable direction, consider readability. If adding spaces improves clarity without conflicting with your chosen style guide, it might be a justifiable exception. However, such exceptions should be rare and well-considered. Prioritize consistency to maintain a professional and polished writing style.

Conclusion:

The question of spaces with dashed appositives doesn't have a universally agreed-upon answer. The style guide you follow should be your primary guide, with consistency as the ultimate goal. If you're unsure, opting for no spaces around the em dash is generally a safe bet, aligning with the majority of style guides and promoting a clean, modern look in your writing. Remember that clear and consistent punctuation always trumps minor stylistic variations.