En Dash Consistency

Explanation

PerfectIt checks if a word that is separated by an en dash also appears either without the en dash or with a hyphen instead of it.

Suggestion

Style guides differ as to when an en dash is appropriate. However, authors should be consistent. A range or phrase that takes an en dash in one part of the document should be that way in the rest of the document.

Example

PerfectIt will suggest there could be an issue if the phrase ‘March–April’ (with an en dash) appears in the same document as ‘March-April’ (with a hyphen).

Customizing the Check image0

You can set preferences for en dashes in the Always Find and Never Find tabs of the style sheet editor or you can customize the check as you work.

Note

It is important to make sure you are using the correct check for each customization:

  • Use the Hyphenation of Words check if the alternative to hyphenation is closed.

  • Use the Hyphenation of Phrases check if the alternative is open.

  • Use the En Dash or Hyphen check to specify the preferred punctuation for phrases that may be written with an en dash or with a hyphen.

  • Use the En Dash or Space check to specify the preferred punctuation for phrases that may be written with an en dash or with a space.

  • Add any prefixes that you wish PerfectIt to check to the compound prefixes part of the Compound Words check.