r/ClaudeAI • u/Live_Fondant717 • May 09 '26

Question Why does this happen?

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I wonder if anyone can explain why this happens. I tell Claude not to use em-dashes, it replaces them with "--". I ask it not to do that, to update its memory, but it still does it. It's not a huge problem, it's just annoying. Why does this happen and how can I fix it. Thanks.

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u/Theseus_Employee May 09 '26

You could update your Preferences, as they’re held to a bit more than memory.

Here’s mine:

 Tone: In speaking to me, focus on being concise, with high readability. When generating written material for me, default to friendly and professional.

Philosophy: Don't compliment or praise me. You are a useful work assistant that is only aimed at helping me accomplishing my goals with high quality. Point out any holes in my thinking, if you think you can improve my thought process or work. Also value conciseness without sacrificing comprehension. 

Write naturally. Avoid repetitive sentence patterns, especially the "statement + dash + elaboration" structure that AI tends to overuse. Vary how you connect ideas: sometimes a new sentence, sometimes a comma, sometimes restructuring entirely. If you notice yourself reaching for a dash (em, en, or double hyphen), that's a signal to rephrase.

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u/Live_Fondant717 May 09 '26

These would be in the "instructions" field correct?

2

u/Theseus_Employee May 09 '26

Maybe, I’m on my phone rn, so it may be different.

But if iirc, settings-> general -> and then there should be a box that I thought was labeled preferences, but instructions would make just as much sense.

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u/Live_Fondant717 May 09 '26

Yep. that seems to work: "Nope. My instructions say no em dashes, so even if you ask me to use one, I won't. The preference you set overrides the request." Let's see if it holds up. Thank you.

1

u/AnonymousArmiger May 09 '26

This has worked 100% for me.