Summary
En rules (or en dashes) appear throughout academic writing, especially in theses and dissertations, yet many postgraduate authors struggle to use them correctly. The distinction between an en rule, a hyphen and an em rule is subtle, and choosing the wrong symbol can obscure meaning or misrepresent scholarly relationships.
This guide explains when to use an en rule without spaces—particularly in number ranges, date spans, name-name constructions, co-authored theories, ratios, routes and compound descriptors. It also clarifies when only a hyphen is appropriate and why misusing these punctuation marks can distort meaning in academic prose.
By mastering the correct use of en rules without spaces, you can greatly improve clarity, reduce ambiguity and present your thesis or dissertation in a polished and professional way.
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How to Use En Rules Without Spaces Correctly in Your Thesis or Dissertation
As you draft your thesis or dissertation, you will encounter many situations where an en rule—also known as an en dash—is the correct punctuation mark. However, many postgraduate researchers struggle to distinguish the en rule from the hyphen, despite the fact that these small marks can significantly affect clarity. Because correct punctuation is essential to academic precision, understanding how and when to use an en rule without spaces is a fundamental writing skill for all researchers.
This expanded guide explains the core functions of en rules without spaces, demonstrates how their meaning differs from that of hyphens, and provides practical examples relevant to scientific, humanities and social-science writing. With clear explanations and examples, you will learn how to use en rules confidently in number ranges, date spans, name combinations, compound descriptors and professional terminology throughout your dissertation.
1. What Is an En Rule and Why Does It Matter?
The en rule (–) is slightly longer than a hyphen (-) but shorter than an em rule (—). Its name comes from traditional typography, where it occupies the width of the letter ‘N’. The en rule has several highly specific uses in academic writing, and using it incorrectly—particularly in place of a hyphen—can introduce ambiguity or distort meaning.
Many students assume that hyphens and en rules are interchangeable because word processors often auto-substitute one for the other. Yet the difference is meaningful: hyphens join words; en rules typically connect words, numbers or names that stand in a particular relationship to each other. Understanding these differences is essential to producing accurate, polished academic prose.
2. Using En Rules Without Spaces in Numerical Ranges
One of the most common uses of an en rule without spaces is to indicate a range that can be read as “to” or “and”. Examples include:
- pp.13–26
- 2010–2013
- 10.30–11.30
In these cases, the en rule replaces the words “to” or “and” and is written without surrounding spaces. However, this rule must not be mixed with constructions that explicitly use “from” or “between.”
Correct forms include:
- 2010–2013
- from 2010 to 2013
- between 2010 and 2013
Incorrect forms include:
- from 2010–2013
- between 2010–2013
The error arises because the en rule already represents “to” or “and,” so combining it with “from” or “between” results in redundancy. Examiners notice these issues quickly because such constructions are extremely common in academic writing.
3. Using En Rules Without Spaces for Word-Based Ranges
En rules also indicate ranges represented by words rather than numerals. This usage typically appears in humanities and social-science dissertations, but it is equally relevant to scientific authors describing schedules, phases or periods.
Examples include:
- March–June
- Tuesday–Thursday
- the London–York railway line
In each case, the en rule signals movement, span or connection. Using a hyphen would be incorrect and, in some cases, misleading.
4. Using En Rules to Indicate Meetings, Borders and Competitions
Another important function of the en rule is to link two nouns in contexts where those nouns come together—geographically, politically or competitively. Common examples include:
- the Canada–United States border
- the Celtic–Aberdeen match
- the teacher–student conference
The en rule can often be read as “between” or “versus,” depending on context. In academic writing, this is particularly useful when discussing treaties, international relations, comparative studies or linguistic boundaries.
5. Using En Rules for Co-Authored Tests, Theories and Concepts
En rules without spaces are the standard mark for linking the surnames of two scholars whose work forms a recognised pair. This usage is essential in disciplines such as psychology, sociology, law and linguistics.
Examples include:
- the Mann–Whitney test
- the Smith–Jones theory
- Marxism–Leninism (noun)
- Marxist–Leninist (adjective)
The en rule’s meaning is precise: it indicates two separate individuals or intellectual traditions that are jointly associated. Using a hyphen instead suggests a single composite identity, which can produce serious scholarly distortions.
6. When an En Rule Should Not Be Used: The Prefix Exception
An important exception arises when the first element in a compound cannot stand alone. If it is a prefix rather than a standalone word, you must use a hyphen instead of an en rule.
Compare the following:
- a Chinese–Japanese heritage (correct, both are words)
- a Sino-Japanese heritage (correct, prefix + word)
Because “Sino” cannot stand alone as a word, the hyphen—not the en rule—is the appropriate choice. Dissertation writers often overlook this distinction, but examiners frequently comment on incorrect use of hyphens in compound nationalities and linguistic labels.
7. Using En Rules to Represent Ratios
En rules without spaces can also express ratios in scientific, mathematical and statistical writing. In these cases, the en rule again functions as a substitute for the word “to”.
Examples include:
- the sugar–water ratio for hummingbird food
- the male–female ratio
- a 1–4 dilution
This is a highly efficient way to express proportional relationships without cluttering the sentence with additional words.
8. Using En Rules to Indicate Close Conceptual Relationships
En rules also represent the word “and” in compound descriptors that denote interaction or partnership. These often appear in education, literature, sociology and psychology dissertations.
Examples include:
- the author–editor relationship
- red–green colour blind
- the nurse–patient dynamic
It is important to note that a hyphen often changes the meaning significantly. For example:
- red-green (a single colour that is reddish green)
- red–green (two distinct colours)
Similarly:
- author-editor = one person who is both an author and an editor
- author–editor = two people
This distinction is crucial in academic contexts, where ambiguity can weaken arguments or misrepresent research relationships.
9. Why Hyphens Can Sometimes Be Confusing
Although dissertation guidelines occasionally instruct students to use hyphens in place of en rules (especially in page number ranges), it is important to understand that hyphens can create ambiguity. For example:
Smith-Jones usually means one person with a double-barrelled surname. However:
Smith–Jones means two separate individuals.
Even more complex constructions preserve this rule:
Smith–Jones-Jackson = two people (Smith, and Jones-Jackson)
If a hyphen replaces the en rule, the meaning becomes unclear. Supervisors and examiners expect postgraduate writers to recognise and apply this distinction correctly.
10. Ensuring Consistency Throughout Your Thesis
Beyond mastering individual cases, consistency is essential. Choose a clear set of rules based on the conventions of your discipline and apply them throughout your thesis. Inconsistent punctuation—especially in list ranges, name combinations and ratios—reduces clarity and distracts examiners from the quality of your research.
A helpful strategy is to run a targeted search for hyphens and en rules in your document. Most word processors allow you to search specifically for en dashes (–), hyphens (-) and em dashes (—). Reviewing these systematically helps you catch inconsistencies before submission.
11. When Professional Proofreading Can Help
Because the visual differences between hyphens and en rules are subtle, even experienced writers may overlook errors. Professional academic proofreaders are trained to identify and correct punctuation inconsistencies that automated tools miss. If you are preparing a final draft for submission, publication or a viva examination, you may find specialist help particularly valuable.
You can explore our dedicated services for:
These services help ensure that your punctuation, grammar and academic presentation meet the highest scholarly standards.
12. Final Thoughts
Mastering the correct use of en rules without spaces strengthens clarity, precision and professionalism throughout your dissertation. Whether you are expressing ranges, linking names, describing relationships or representing ratios, the en rule communicates meaning more clearly than a hyphen in many situations. By applying the rules consistently and understanding why the distinctions matter, you can avoid ambiguity and present your research with greater authority.
