How to Remove Em Dashes in ChatGPT (2 Easy Methods)
Prompt Outcome
ChatGPT Prompt
If you’ve noticed ChatGPT frequently using em dashes (—) in its responses and prefer a cleaner writing style, you can easily change that.
In this quick guide, you’ll learn two simple ways to stop ChatGPT from using em dashes, by using a custom prompt or by adding a permanent rule in your custom instructions.
Why ChatGPT Uses Em Dashes
ChatGPT often adds em dashes to make sentences flow more naturally or emphasize ideas. However, if you prefer shorter, simpler punctuation like commas or periods, you can tell ChatGPT to adjust its writing style. The easiest way is to give it a clear instruction.
Method 1: Use a Prompt in Chat
If you want to control punctuation for a single chat, use this prompt before starting your conversation:
Prompt:
“Replace all em-dashes (—) with either a period (.) to start a new sentence, or a comma (,) if the sentence continues.”
How This Works
ChatGPT follows explicit writing and formatting instructions given in your prompt. By specifying that em dashes should be replaced with periods or commas, you’re telling the model to avoid the long dash style entirely.
This prompt works well when you want to maintain a consistent tone or when you’re writing articles that require clean, professional punctuation.
Method 2: Add Custom Instructions to ChatGPT
If you want this rule to apply automatically every time you use ChatGPT, you can add it to your Custom Instructions.
Here’s how:
- Go to Settings → Personalization.
- Select Enable customization.
- Find Custom Instructions.
In the text box that asks how you’d like ChatGPT to respond, paste this rule:
Replace all em-dashes (—) with either a period (.) to start a new sentence, or a comma (,) if the sentence continues.
Once saved, ChatGPT will automatically apply this style rule in every new chat, giving your responses a consistent punctuation style without em dashes.
Final Tip
If you’re editing long-form content or preparing posts for publication, it’s best to combine both methods, i.e. set the rule globally in your custom instructions and also remind ChatGPT within the chat when working on writing-heavy tasks.
This ensures your punctuation remains clean, consistent, and perfectly aligned with your preferred writing style.
