Dash vs. Underscore: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 2, 2023
"Dash is a punctuation mark used within sentences—often to create a strong pause, while underscore (_) is used to create space within computer text, such as file names."
Key Differences
A dash is a versatile punctuation mark utilized within sentences to create a break, much like a comma or parenthesis, but with a stronger emphasis. It can also indicate an abrupt change in thought or an extended pause within a sentence. In contrast, an underscore is a character often used in computing and digital contexts, primarily to substitute spaces in file names or URLs, as many computer systems do not recognize spaces.
In grammar and writing, a dash is employed to emphasize certain parts of a sentence, allowing writers to add explanatory information or create emphasis. It is distinctly recognized as a horizontal line that can be either en dash (–) or em dash (—), each having specific usage rules. In contrast, the underscore does not serve a grammatical purpose in standard writing but is a significant character in computer programming and online contexts, appearing as a horizontal line at the bottom of a space.
The usage of a dash is versatile in written language; it's often used to set off parenthetical information or indicate an interruption or range. It serves to clarify or amplify meaning within a written context, contributing to textual coherence and style. On the other hand, the underscore is not usually utilized in regular writing or printing, but it is a crucial component in creating readable and usable file names, email addresses, and URLs in digital spaces, where spaces are typically not allowed.
While dashes are commonplace in both formal and informal writing, underscores are seldom found in everyday writing or traditional print. Dashes are integral to the syntactic structure and meaning of sentences, influencing the flow and emphasis of the text. Conversely, underscores are indispensable in the realm of computer science and digital communication, enabling the creation of clear and uninterrupted strings of text and code.
A dash can add dynamism to writing, providing nuanced pauses or emphasizing specific phrases, enhancing the reader's comprehension and engagement. In contrast, the underscore, though not utilized for stylistic or grammatical purposes in written language, plays a pivotal role in the digital world, facilitating smooth and efficient computer interactions, programming, and digital communication.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Creates pauses or emphasis in writing.
Replaces spaces in computer text.
Usage
Common in formal and informal writing.
Primarily used in computing and digital contexts.
Appearance
Horizontal line in the middle of the text line.
Horizontal line at the bottom of the text line.
Variants
En dash (–) and em dash (—).
Typically, one form (_) in computing.
Grammatical Role
Contributes to syntactic structure and meaning.
Does not serve a grammatical role in standard writing.
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Dash and Underscore Definitions
Dash
A symbol used to signify an abrupt change or interruption in thought.
She was excited about the trip—was she ever!—despite the challenges.
Underscore
A line used at the bottom of a character in computing.
Enter your email_address here.
Dash
A character that can emphasize parenthetical information.
He had one goal—success.
Underscore
A line used to create clear, uninterrupted strings in URLs.
Visit our website at www.example_domain.com.
Dash
To move with haste; rush
Dashed into the room.
Dashed down the hall.
Underscore
A symbol used in programming to represent a space.
The variable name can be first_name.
Dash
To strike violently; smash
Waves dashing on the rocks.
Underscore
A character utilized in digital communication to connect words.
The username is john_doe_123.
Dash
To break or smash by striking violently
The ship was dashed upon the rocks.
Underscore
A character used to replace spaces in computer text.
Please_name_the_file_correctly.
Dash
To hurl, knock, or thrust with sudden violence
Dashed the cup against the wall.
Underscore
To underline
Underscored the incorrect answers in red ink.
Dash
To remove by striking or wiping
Dash tears from one's face.
Underscore
To put emphasis on; stress
In a press release, the leaders underscored their commitment to continued negotiations.
Dash
To splash; bespatter
Dash water on one's face.
Underscore
To cause to appear important or deserving of attention
The energy crisis underscored the need to increase fuel efficiency.
Dash
To write hastily. Often used with off
Dashed off a note to the dean.
Underscore
A line drawn under writing or text to indicate emphasis or italic type.
Dash
To drink hastily. Often used with down
Dashed down a glass of milk.
Underscore
An underline; a line drawn or printed beneath text; the character _.
Dash
To add an enlivening or altering element to
A speech dashed with humor.
Underscore
(music) A piece of background music.
Dash
To affect by adding another element or ingredient to
Ice cream that was dashed with rum.
Underscore
To underline; to mark a line beneath text.
Dash
To destroy or wreck
Our hopes were dashed by the news.
Underscore
To emphasize or draw attention to.
I wish to underscore the importance of proper formatting.
Dash
To discourage or dispirit
"This discouraging information a little dashed the child" (Charles Dickens).
Underscore
To draw a mark or line under; to underline.
Dash
To damn.
Underscore
A line drawn underneath (especially under written matter)
Dash
A swift, violent blow or stroke
Knocked the books to the floor with an impatient dash of his hand.
Underscore
Give extra weight to (a communication);
Her gesture emphasized her words
Dash
A splash
Threw a dash of water on my face.
Underscore
Draw a line or lines underneath to call attention to
Dash
A small amount of an added ingredient
A dash of sherry.
Dash
A quick stroke, as with a pencil or brush.
Dash
A sudden movement; a rush
Made a dash for the exit.
Dash
(Sports) A footrace, usually less than a quarter-mile long, run at top speed from the outset.
Dash
A spirited quality in action or style; verve.
Dash
Either of two symbols, an emdash or an endash, used in writing and in printing.
Dash
In Morse and similar codes, the long sound or signal used in combination with the dot and silent intervals to represent letters or numbers.
Dash
A dashboard.
Dash
(typography) Any of the following symbols: ‒ (figure dash), – (en dash), — (em dash), or ― (horizontal bar).
Dash
(computing) A hyphen or minus sign.
Dash
(by extension) The longer of the two symbols of Morse code.
Dash
A short run, flight.
When the feds came they did the dash.
Dash
A rushing or violent onset.
Dash
Violent strike; a whack.
Dash
A small quantity of a liquid substance etc.; less than 1/8 of a teaspoon.
Add a dash of vinegar.
Dash
A slight admixture.
There is a dash of craziness in his personality.
Dash
Ostentatious vigor.
Aren't we full of dash this morning?
Dash
A dashboard.
Dash
A bribe or gratuity; a gift.
Dash
A stand-in for a censored word, like "Devil" or "damn". (Compare deuce.)
Dash
The dashboard of a Tumblr user.
Dash
(intransitive) To run quickly or for a short distance.
He dashed across the field.
Dash
To leave or depart.
I have to dash now. See you soon.
Dash
(transitive) To destroy by striking (against).
He dashed the bottle against the bar and turned about to fight.
Dash
(transitive) To throw violently.
The man was dashed from the vehicle during the accident.
Dash
To sprinkle; to splatter.
Dash
To mix, reduce, or adulterate, by throwing in something of an inferior quality.
To dash wine with water
Dash
To ruin; to destroy.
Her hopes were dashed when she saw the damage.
Dash
(transitive) To dishearten; to sadden.
Her thoughts were dashed to melancholy.
Dash
To complete hastily.
He dashed down his eggs.
She dashed off her homework.
Dash
(transitive) To draw or write quickly; jot.
Dash
Damn in forming oaths.
Dash his impudence! Who is that scoundrel?
Dash
(euphemistic) Damn!
Dash
To throw with violence or haste; to cause to strike violently or hastily; - often used with against.
If you dash a stone against a stone in the botton of the water, it maketh a sound.
Dash
To break, as by throwing or by collision; to shatter; to crust; to frustrate; to ruin.
Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
A brave vessel, . . . Dashed all to pieces.
To perplex and dashMaturest counsels.
Dash
To put to shame; to confound; to confuse; to abash; to depress.
Dash the proud gamester in his gilded car.
Dash
To throw in or on in a rapid, careless manner; to mix, reduce, or adulterate, by throwing in something of an inferior quality; to overspread partially; to bespatter; to touch here and there; as, to dash wine with water; to dash paint upon a picture.
I take care to dash the character with such particular circumstance as may prevent ill-natured applications.
The very source and fount of dayIs dashed with wandering isles of night.
Dash
To form or sketch rapidly or carelessly; to execute rapidly, or with careless haste; - with off; as, to dash off a review or sermon.
Dash
To erase by a stroke; to strike out; knock out; - with out; as, to dash out a word.
Dash
To rush with violence; to move impetuously; to strike violently; as, the waves dash upon rocks.
[He] dashed through thick and thin.
On each hand the gushing waters play,And down the rough cascade all dashing fall.
Dash
Violent striking together of two bodies; collision; crash.
Dash
A sudden check; abashment; frustration; ruin; as, his hopes received a dash.
Dash
A slight admixture, infusion, or adulteration; a partial overspreading; as, wine with a dash of water; red with a dash of purple.
Innocence when it has in it a dash of folly.
Dash
A rapid movement, esp. one of short duration; a quick stroke or blow; a sudden onset or rush; as, a bold dash at the enemy; a dash of rain.
She takes upon her bravely at first dash.
Dash
Energy in style or action; animation; spirit.
Dash
A vain show; a blustering parade; a flourish; as, to make or cut a great dash.
Dash
A mark or line [-], in writing or printing, denoting a sudden break, stop, or transition in a sentence, or an abrupt change in its construction, a long or significant pause, or an unexpected or epigrammatic turn of sentiment. Dashes are also sometimes used instead of marks or parenthesis.
Dash
The sign of staccato, a small mark [ ] denoting that the note over which it is placed is to be performed in a short, distinct manner.
Dash
A short, spirited effort or trial of speed upon a race course; - used in horse racing, when a single trial constitutes the race.
Dash
Distinctive and stylish elegance;
He wooed her with the confident dash of a cavalry officer
Dash
A quick run
Dash
A footrace run at top speed;
He is preparing for the 100-yard dash
Dash
A punctuation mark (-) used between parts of a compound word or between the syllables of a word when the word is divided at the end of a line of text
Dash
The longer of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code
Dash
The act of moving with great haste;
He made a dash for the door
Dash
Run or move very quickly or hastily;
She dashed into the yard
Dash
Break into pieces, as by striking or knocking over;
Smash a plate
Dash
Hurl or thrust violently;
He dashed the plate against the wall
Waves were dashing against the rock
Dash
Destroy or break;
Dashed ambitions and hopes
Dash
Cause to lose courage;
Dashed by the refusal
Dash
Add an enlivening or altering element to;
Blue paint dashed with white
Dash
A punctuation mark used to create a strong pause within a sentence.
He was the ideal candidate—experienced, intelligent, and dedicated.
Dash
A mark used to indicate a range or connect related values.
Read pages 45—50 for tomorrow's assignment.
Dash
A line used to separate conflicting elements within a sentence.
The secret to happiness—according to experts—is living in the moment.
FAQs
Can underscores be used in file names?
Yes, underscores are often used in file names to replace spaces.
How many types of dashes are there?
There are mainly two types: the en dash (–) and the em dash (—).
Can a dash replace a comma?
Yes, a dash can replace a comma to create a stronger pause or emphasis.
Is underscore used in email addresses?
Yes, underscores can be used in email addresses to replace spaces.
Can an underscore be used in domain names?
Typically, underscores are not allowed in domain names.
Is a dash the same as a hyphen?
No, a dash is longer than a hyphen and serves different purposes in writing.
Is underscore a special character in programming?
Yes, underscore is considered a special character in many programming languages.
Can a dash be used for emphasis?
Yes, a dash can be used to emphasize a part of a sentence.
Can a dash be used to represent a range?
Yes, a dash can be used to represent a range, such as “1–10.”
Can underscores be visible in written text?
Yes, but they are primarily used in computing and digital contexts, not standard writing.
Is underscore used in URL?
Yes, underscores can be used in URLs, but dashes are more SEO-friendly.
Should a dash have spaces around it?
It depends on the style guide; some recommend spaces around em dashes, while others do not.
Can you use multiple underscores consecutively?
Yes, multiple underscores can be used consecutively in digital text.
How does an underscore appear visually?
An underscore appears as a horizontal line at the bottom of the text line.
Are underscores allowed in usernames?
Yes, underscores are often allowed in usernames on many platforms.
Can dashes connect related values?
Yes, dashes are used to connect related values or denote a range.
Are dashes used in academic writing?
Yes, dashes are used in academic writing to add clarity and emphasis.
Can you use an underscore in hashtags?
No, underscores break hashtags; only letters, numbers, and dashes are allowed.
Is the use of a dash formal?
Yes, dashes are used in both formal and informal writing for emphasis and clarity.
Can dashes be used in poetry?
Yes, dashes can be used in poetry to denote pauses or create emphasis.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
