I used to use the em dash to flex my sophistication. Now I remove it from writing—even when it introduces a typo.

The Decline of the Em Dash: Shedding Pretension in Modern Writing

In recent conversations about contemporary writing styles, a recurring theme has emerged: the suspicion that any text that exudes sophistication may, in fact, be the product of artificial intelligence. This skepticism has led many writers to question tools and stylistic choices once considered markers of erudition, including the esteemed em dash.

Reflecting on my own journey with this punctuation mark, I recall a time when using the em dash was a deliberate act of stylistic expression—one that signaled a nuanced grasp of language and a touch of literary flair. Back in the days when I composed texts on a PC, my routine involved googling “em dash” and copying the character directly into my writings. Knowing the difference between the em dash and its cousin, the en dash, along with understanding the etymology behind their names, made me feel a step ahead in the art of refined writing.

However, as language and communication habits evolve, so do our stylistic inclinations. Today, I find myself removing the em dash from my writing, even in situations where it might introduce the tiniest typo or moment of distraction. The pursuit of clarity and simplicity has taken precedence over the desire to showcase my literary knowledge.

This shift marks a departure from the days when the em dash was a symbol of sophistication—a tool I consciously wielded to elevate my writing. Now, I embrace a more straightforward approach, recognizing that sometimes, less is more, and that true clarity often resides in subtlety rather than stylistic flourish.

So, farewell—my old friend the em dash. You’ve served your purpose in my stylistic toolkit, but for now, I set you aside in favor of cleaner, more accessible writing. The evolution of language is ongoing, and sometimes, surrendering a piece of our stylistic pretension is the most sophisticated choice of all.