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How to Use Slashes in Writing

The document discusses the proper use of slashes in writing. It provides examples of using slashes to denote "and/or" when options are not mutually exclusive, to indicate line breaks when quoting poetry or lyrics, and to replace "and" when joining two equal nouns. However, slashes should not be used to separate independent clauses.

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19 views2 pages

How to Use Slashes in Writing

The document discusses the proper use of slashes in writing. It provides examples of using slashes to denote "and/or" when options are not mutually exclusive, to indicate line breaks when quoting poetry or lyrics, and to replace "and" when joining two equal nouns. However, slashes should not be used to separate independent clauses.

Uploaded by

ASAD
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as RTF, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Using Slashes

Image titled Use English Punctuation Correctly Step 71

Use the slash to separate and from or, when appropriate.


Slashes ( " / " ) in phrases like and/or suggest that the
options described are not mutually exclusive.

Here is an example of good "and/or" usage:

To register, you will need your driver's license and/or your


birth certificate.

Use the slash when quoting lyrics and poetry to denote a line
break. Slashes are especially useful when it is impractical to
recreate the original formatting of a poem or song. When
using slashes in this way, be sure to include spaces before
and after the slashes.

Here is an example of slashes used to mark line breaks in a


song:

Row, row, row your boat / Gently down the stream. / Merrily,
merrily, merrily, merrily, / Life is but a dream.

Also use the slash to replace the word and when joining two
nouns. By replacing and with a slash, you suggest that there
is equal importance in both options listed. Use these
replacements in moderation to place greater emphasis
where and may not do so, as well as to avoid confusing the
reader. You can also do the same for or, as in his/her.
However, you should not use the slash to separate
independent clauses.

Here are examples of how to use and how not to use a slash
in this way:

CORRECT:

"The student and part-time employee has very little free


time."

"The student/part-time employee has very little free time."

INCORRECT:

"Do you want to go to the grocery store, or would you prefer


to go to the mall?"

"Do you want to go to the grocery store / would you prefer to


go to the mall?"

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