I am having trouble using an em-dash. That is when two dashes are formed into one. When I am typing a sentence and want to use an em-dash, I do not put a space after the word. I type two dashes and then another word, but the two dashes remain two dashes. I think I do it correctly but it still comes out two dashes instead of one long one. What should I do?

The two dashes will convert once you complete typing the next word and insert a space, period, etc.

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Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

Thanks for writing, Paul. I've tried what you suggested and it still remains two dashes. I keep thinking there must be some little box I need to check in the formatting section of Word. Can't seem to find it though.

Go to File|Options|Proofing>AutoCorrect Options>AutoFormat and check the 'Replace hypens (--) with dash (-)' option.

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

I figured how to change the two dashes to an em dash.

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button andthen click Word Options
2. Click Proofing, and then click AutoCorrect Options.
3. Click the AutoFormat As You Type tab, and then select the Hyphens
(--) with dash (--) check The box
4. Don't forget to click OK on the two screens that got you to that point.