In early November, OpenAI introduced a small update that gives users control over the appearance of em dashes in ChatGPT’s writing. You can now set a preference inside your Custom Instructions so the model stops using them or uses them only when absolutely necessary. Once you set it, ChatGPT follows it with consistency. For many users, this marks the first time the model has truly respected a request regarding punctuation.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman even called the fix a small but happy win. It solves a long running irritation for writers who wanted specific formatting but could not get the model to cooperate.

How to Update Your Settings

The steps are simple:

1. Open your profile in ChatGPT.

2. Select Settings.

3. Choose Personalization.

4. Open the Custom Instructions section.

5. Add a line such as, “Do not use em dashes. If an em dash would normally appear, use a comma or a period instead.”

6. Save your changes.

Once this instruction is active, ChatGPT will follow it in future conversations.

This update does not remove em dashes by default. Instead, it gives users precise control over how the model writes. Many users rely on ChatGPT for professional content, and consistent formatting saves time when preparing reports, blogs, social posts, and newsletters.

It also helps reduce the obvious “AI signature” that readers have learned to spot. Em dash overuse was one of the most recognizable tells. Now, writers can decide if they want to keep them, limit them, or remove them entirely.

Why This Matters

This change reflects a larger shift in how AI tools are evolving. Personalization is becoming just as important as capability. People want more than accurate answers. They want an experience that matches their voice and their formatting preferences. Something as small as punctuation can affect tone and readability, and the ability to shape those choices brings AI one step closer to feeling like a true writing partner.

HOME | ABOUT | PORTFOLIO | RATES | BLOG | BOOKSTORE

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did ChatGPT use so many em dashes in the past
Many users noticed that em dashes appeared in ChatGPT responses far more often than in typical human writing. This became a recognizable sign of AI generated content. The model relied on them as an easy way to connect ideas, which led to overuse and frustration for people who preferred simpler punctuation.

Can I stop ChatGPT from using em dashes in my writing
Yes. You can now set a custom instruction inside your ChatGPT account that tells the model to avoid them completely or to replace them with commas or periods. Once saved, the model follows this rule in future chats.

How do I change my punctuation settings in ChatGPT
Open your profile, select Settings, choose Personalization, and go to Custom Instructions. You can add a note such as “Do not use em dashes” in the writing preference section. Save your changes to apply the rule automatically.

Does ChatGPT remove all em dashes by default
No. The model only avoids em dashes if you specifically tell it to. Without a custom instruction, ChatGPT uses its general writing style, which may include em dashes.

Why is this update important for writers and content creators
Control over punctuation helps create a consistent writing style. It also reduces the obvious signs of AI generated text, which is helpful for people creating blogs, marketing materials, newsletters, or social posts.

Does this feature help with SEO or AEO
Yes. Consistent formatting improves readability for users and answer engines. Clear punctuation helps reduce confusion for search crawlers and AI powered answer engines, which improves the way your content is understood and summarized on search platforms.

Can I set other custom writing preferences
Yes. You can tell ChatGPT how formal or casual you want the tone to be, which punctuation you like, whether you prefer short or long sentences, and any formatting habits you want the model to follow.

Is this feature available to all ChatGPT users
Most users with access to the Custom Instructions feature can adjust their punctuation settings. Availability may vary by account type and device.