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Able to cover different possibilities, the slash should nevertheless be used with care in formal writing.
Able to cover different possibilities, the slash should nevertheless be used with care in formal writing.
Slash (forward slash) - a punctuation mark that separates letters, words or numbers.
Introduction
Introduction
The slash (also known as the forward slash) has several uses in written English, mostly to do with presenting options or possibilities to the reader.
However, it should generally be avoided in formal writing.
Use Cases
Use Cases
Quoting Poetry
Quoting Poetry
When referring to two or more lines of poetry, a slash with a space on either side indicates a break between lines.
Example
In We Are Going, Oodgeroo Noonuccal describes the arrival of a group of First Australians: "They came in to the little town / A semi-naked band subdued and silent".
Meaning per
Meaning per
A slash can be used instead of per when referring to words or numbers.
Examples
Petrol is currently $1.31/litre.
The speed of sound is 343 metres/second.
Meaning or
Meaning or
A slash can be used in place of or, but not in formal writing.
Even in informal writing, this practice can give the impression of laziness or unwillingness to commit to a word or idea. Thus, it is better to write the word or, or rewrite the sentence to improve clarity.
Possible
I always have something to eat/drink before starting work.
Each guest must show his/her identification to enter the building.
Preferred
I always have something to eat or drink before starting work.
Each guest must present identification to enter the building.
Abbreviations
Abbreviations
A slash can be used in some abbreviations.
Examples
c/o (care of)
w/ (with)
P/E ratio (price-to-earnings ratio)
Fractions
Fractions
We don't like talking about maths here at The English Inventory, but it is worth noting that a slash is used to separate the numerator from the denominator in fractions in typed English.
Note also that some word processors will automatically convert such fractions to a more elegant form.
Example
A family soda bottle holds 1 1/4 litres.
Converted example
A family soda bottle holds 1 ¼ litres.
Two-year spans
Two-year spans
A slash can be used to reflect a two-year span of time.
Examples
The Australian bushfires of 2019/20 were the worst on record.
Record profits were declared during the 1985/86 fiscal year.
Backslash
Backslash
The backslash (\) is only used in computer programming and should be avoided in written English.
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