no-em-dashes

Replace em dashes with contextually appropriate punctuation in written content.

Updated Apr 26, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Elmanuel1/skills --skill no-em-dashes
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: no-em-dashes
Source: https://github.com/Elmanuel1/skills/tree/main/no-em-dashes
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Elmanuel1/skills --skill no-em-dashes

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Em dashes are overused in writing, especially in AI-generated content, creating prose that feels stiff, unpolished, and recognizably machine-produced. This skill enforces a strict, non-negotiable house rule against em dashes across all written output, replacing them with contextually appropriate punctuation to produce tighter, more natural, human-sounding prose.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Context-aware dash replacement: Replaces em dashes with the correct alternative (commas, parentheses, semicolons, colons, or periods) based on the dash's original function in the sentence.
  • Full-scope enforcement: Applies to every type of written deliverable, from casual Slack messages and emails to formal reports, PRDs, code comments, and marketing copy.
  • Edge case handling: Respects exceptions for code blocks, quoted third-party material, URLs, file paths, and pre-existing user content that is not being actively edited.
  • Use Case: You’re drafting a product launch blog post and notice you’ve used em dashes for parenthetical asides and clause joins. Run this skill to automatically replace all instances with correct punctuation and run a final sweep to catch any missed dashes before publishing.

Quick Start

Use the no-em-dashes skill to review and correct all em dashes in the attached quarterly report before you send it to stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions about no-em-dashes

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I remove em dashes from my writing automatically?

This skill eliminates em dashes from your written content by replacing them with contextually appropriate punctuation alternatives like commas, parentheses, or semicolons. It enforces a strict house writing style rule across all documents.

Why does AI-generated content overuse em dashes?

Em dashes are overused in AI-generated content because they create stiff, machine-produced prose. Replacing em dashes with correct punctuation produces tighter, more natural, human-sounding writing across emails, reports, and marketing copy.

Does em dash removal work on code comments and URLs?

Em dash removal respects edge cases for code blocks, quoted third-party material, URLs, and file paths. The skill preserves pre-existing user content that is not being actively edited while applying replacement rules to your active text.

What is the best way to enforce a no em dash style rule?

The best way to enforce a no em dash style rule is running a skill that applies context-aware dash replacement across all deliverables and performs a final sweep pass for forbidden dash characters. This catches missed instances before publishing.

How do I replace em dashes with correct punctuation in a document?

You replace em dashes with correct punctuation by running this skill on your document, which analyzes each dash's original function in the sentence. It substitutes commas, parentheses, semicolons, colons, or periods based on context.