em

Everyday

1. (slang, informal) A spoken short form of "them", often written 'em. tree →
2. (UK, Ireland) A sound people make when they pause or are unsure, like "um" or "erm". tree →
3. (printing) A unit of width equal to the size of the type; an em dash is a long dash. tree →

In the lessons

In real speech and stories: "Give 'em here!" or "Em, I'm not sure". Shows casual talk or hesitation. In maths lessons it can appear in self-corrections: "em, no, it's 12". Phrases: get 'em, let 'em go, em dash.

Examples

• Pick 'em up and put 'em away. tree →
• "What's the answer?" "Em... I think it's 24." tree →
• Let 'em play outside for a bit. tree →
• I've got two sweets left, do you want 'em? tree →
• Em, sorry, I forgot my homework. tree →
• Use an em dash — like this — to add an aside. tree →
• “Not one of 'em,” says she. tree →

Note

Do not use "'em" in formal writing; write "them". "Em" as a pause sound has no meaning; ignore it when reading a maths problem. Not to be confused with "M" the letter.

In Jewish tradition

In real speech and stories: "Give 'em here!" or "Em, I'm not sure". Shows casual talk or hesitation. In maths lessons it can appear in self-corrections: "em, no, it's 12". Phrases: get 'em, let 'em go, em dash.

Examples

• However, this is grammatically peculiar, as immot is usually only the construct plural of אֵם em 'mother', whose absolute plural is rather אִמָּהוֹת immahot. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Do not use "'em" in formal writing; write "them". "Em" as a pause sound has no meaning; ignore it when reading a maths problem. Not to be confused with "M" the letter.