Some people think AI writing has a tell — the em dash. Writers disagree.
TL;DR:
- The em dash is increasingly being labeled as a sign of AI-generated writing.
- Many writers and experts argue that this claim overlooks the legitimate use of em dashes by human writers.
- The discussion centers on the function of em dashes in creating a conversational style and enhancing readability.
- Critics highlight the importance of contextual understanding rather than relying on a single punctuation mark to judge the origin of writing.
Recent claims that the em dash is a definitive sign of AI-generated writing have sparked heated debates among authors, editors, and language enthusiasts alike. While some view this punctuation mark as a "ChatGPT hyphen," others argue that such assertions overlook its significant role in written communication.
The Right Tool for the Job
The em dash (—) serves multiple functions in writing, acting as a versatile punctuation mark akin to a comma, a colon, or parentheses. Its unique ability to create a pause without fully stopping the flow of a sentence allows it to imbue writing with rhythm and style. According to linguists, this flexibility makes it a favorite among many writers: it can provide clarity or emphasize points while maintaining a conversational tone[^8].
Despite these advantages, some on social media have taken to labeling excessive use of em dashes as a marker of AI-generated text. For instance, a viral post on X by user LindyMan suggested that the presence of em dashes indicated a lack of human touch in writing, eliciting a wave of reactions from the writing community[^6]. Many writers responded by defending the em dash, citing its historical and continuing relevance in human-authored works.
Writer Reactions and Expert Opinions
Authors like Mignon Fogarty, host of the Grammar Girl podcast, dismiss the idea of the em dash being synonymous with AI output, stating that both human writers and generative AI use the punctuation mark. This echoes sentiments voiced by numerous writers who have asserted their fondness for the em dash, emphasizing its role in enhancing their narrative style[^5][^8]. Critics highlight that attributing the em dash solely to AI is a simplistic view that fails to acknowledge the deeper complexities of writing.
In a more playful defense, one writer noted that their usage of em dashes reflects their conversational style. “The em dash is not just punctuation; it’s emotional support punctuation,” emphasized another defender of the mark[^7]. These perspectives illustrate a shared insistence on the em dash being an essential component of human expression in writing, not merely an AI trope.
Context Matters
The contention over em dashes raises pertinent questions about how writing is evaluated in the age of artificial intelligence. Contextual factors—such as stylistic choices, tone, and even the intended audience—are crucial to comprehending whether a piece of writing stems from a human or an algorithm. Experts warn against reductive assessments based solely on punctuation, arguing for a more nuanced approach[^5].
Furthermore, as AI-generated content continues to proliferate, maintaining a unique human voice becomes increasingly critical. The em dash may indeed find itself alongside other literary devices in conversations about authenticity and creativity, but disallowing it as a mere tell may pave the way for more meaningful discussions about writing integrity[^9].
Conclusion
As writing continues to evolve with the integration of AI, distinguishing between human and machine-generated content will likely require an intricately layered analysis beyond mere punctuation. The em dash, with its storied history and expressive capacity, represents more than a punctuation choice; it is a testament to human creativity and a key element of nuanced storytelling. Writers and language enthusiasts alike must rally against the oversimplification of language in the face of advanced technology.
References
[^1]: "Some people think AI writing has a tell — the em dash. Writers disagree." (2025-04-09). The Washington Post. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/04/09/ai-em-dash-writing-punctuation-chatgpt/
[^2]: "No, Em Dashes Are Not a Sign of AI." (2025-01-27). Medium. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://victoriafraise.medium.com/no-em-dashes-are-not-a-sign-of-ai-f14629a4d217
[^3]: "I use like 30 em dashes a day: Someone said the em dash is an AI tell—and writers aren’t having it." (2025-02-14). The Daily Dot. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.dailydot.com/culture/em-dash-ai/
[^4]: "In Defense of the Em Dash: Why It Still Matters." (2025-04-08). Good Story. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://goodstory.substack.com/p/in-defense-of-the-em-dash
[^5]: "Are em dashes really a telltale sign of AI writing?" (2025-02-20). Night Water. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.nightwater.email/em-dash-ai/
[^6]: "Not-so-hot take: The peeps who think em dashes are a sign of AI — or of sh*tty writing — shouldn’t be dispensing writing advice on the internet." (2024-12-02). *LinkedIn*. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.linkedin.com/posts/emily-court-website-copy-and-design_not-so-hot-take-the-peeps-who-think-em-activity-7269445612339683330-q3DI
[^7]: "No—em-dashes are not a sign of AI." (2025-03-10). Embedded. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://embedded.substack.com/p/em-dashes-ai
[^8]: "How to use an en-dash and em-dash correctly?" (2025-03-25). Hacker News. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43447819
[^9]: The heart of the internet. (2025-03-10). Reddit. Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://www.reddit.com/r/writers/comments/1jpv7to/stopusingaitodetect_ai/
Metadata:
- Keywords: em dash, AI writing, punctuation, writing style, language, authenticity, storytelling.