If you spend any time reading English online, you’ll start noticing something curious.

The em dash — that long dash — is everywhere. And it appears particularly often in text generated by AI. People encounter it in feedback, in translations, in articles.

A reader recently asked me:

“Is it correct — or is it a mistake?”

That’s a great question.

Let’s explore why AI uses it so much, and more importantly, how you can use it well (and when to get rid of it).

Why AI Has a Crush on the Em Dash

There are three simple reasons why AI models reach for the dash so often.

1. It’s an Easy Fix for Tricky Grammar

AI often generates sentences that contain two related ideas but hasn’t fully decided on the best way to join them.

Should it be a full stop?
A comma?
A linking word like but or so?

The em dash is a shortcut. It essentially says:

I want to express two connected thoughts — but I don’t want to stop the flow yet.

It bridges the gap without requiring the AI to select a formal punctuation mark or linking structure.

2. It Mimics Conversation

Modern English writing — especially online — has become much more conversational. We pause, we change direction, we add afterthoughts, just like when we speak.

The em dash perfectly captures that informal, breath-like pause.

3. It Keeps the Writing Moving

AI systems don’t like to stop.
Stopping means choosing, and choosing can increase the risk of an error.

The em dash allows the writing to keep flowing — sometimes far too much.

The Problem: When Too Many Dashes Are Exhausting

When every other sentence uses a dash, the rhythm becomes breathless and chaotic:

The presentation was lively — chatty — slightly dramatic — but in the end, it wasn’t very clear.

The em dash isn’t a universal replacement for all punctuation. We have a robust toolkit for a reason:

.     full stops
,     commas
:     colons
;     semicolons
inking words (because, although, so)
()    parentheses
...    ellipses

These are not old-fashioned. They are precise tools for signaling relationships between ideas.

When the Em Dash Is Truly Brilliant

Used sparingly, the em dash is a wonderful tool that adds voice, rhythm, and surprise.

One dash can signal a soft, slightly unexpected turn or conclusion:

I tried to leave — but my friend suddenly arrived.

Two dashes can set off a thought, an explanation, or an interruption:

The new study — the one we discussed last week — has fundamentally changed our plan.

Think of the em dash as seasoning: a little adds flavour; too much ruins the dish.

When to Avoid the Em Dash

If your writing aims for a professional or academic tone, minimize or eliminate the dash entirely:

• academic writing (essays, reports)
• formal business reports
• CVs and résumés
• anywhere logic must be explicit

Example:

AI version:
The results were surprising — we need more research.

Better, clearer versions use standard punctuation:

Separate sentences:
The results were surprising. We need more research.

Comma + linker (cause/effect):
The results were surprising, so we need more research.

Semicolon (close relationship):
The results were surprising; we need more research.

Colon (explanation/result):
The results were surprising: we need more research.

All of these are clear. None require the dash.

A Practical Exercise: Choosing the Right Rhythm

The same short paragraph written three different ways shows the impact of punctuation.

1. All Dashes (Too Much)

I arrived late — the road was closed — the rain was heavy — I ran to the station — but I still missed the train.

Lively, but chaotic and hard to follow.

2. No Dashes (Too Stiff)

I arrived late. The road was closed. The rain was heavy. I ran to the station. I still missed the train.

Clear, but wooden. It feels like a list of facts.

3. One Dash (Balanced)

I arrived late. The road was closed and the rain was heavy. I ran to the station — but I still missed the train.

Natural rhythm. One emotional lift.

How to Edit AI’s Writing

When using AI for a translation or response, always be prepared to edit for naturalness and rhythm.

The easiest way to correct dash overload is to use simple substitutions:

If the dash is just a break, replace it with a full stop:
I was tired — I went to bed. → I was tired. I went to bed.

If it’s cause/effect, use a comma + linker:
I was tired — I went to bed. → I was tired, so I went to bed.

If it connects two close ideas, use a semicolon:
I was tired — I went to bed. → I was tired; I went to bed.

If it introduces an explanation, use a colon:
I wanted only one thing — sleep. → I wanted only one thing: sleep.

If it separates an afterthought, use parentheses:
I was tired — I had worked late — so I went to bed. → I was tired (I had worked late), so I went to bed.

A Simple Rule for Daily Writing

One em dash per paragraph is usually enough.

If you see five or six, the text doesn’t need grammar review — it needs editing.

So… Should We Correct AI?

Yes, if the writing is meant to be formal, structured, academic, or business-like.

No, if the writing is conversational, creative, or personal.

AI loves the dash because it’s easy.

We should love it because it’s useful — not because it’s fashionable.

Takeaway for Readers

The em dash is a choice.
Use it to add voice, not to replace every slight pause.

Try the three-version exercise yourself — all dashes, none, and one — and choose the option that sounds most natural.

No AI were offended in the writing of this column.