{"id":173,"date":"2018-08-01T16:43:27","date_gmt":"2018-08-01T21:43:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/linguix.com\/blog\/?p=173"},"modified":"2026-04-02T00:28:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T00:28:34","slug":"slash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/linguix.com\/blog\/slash\/","title":{"rendered":"Slash (\/): How to Use Forward Slashes in Writing"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are two kinds of slashes: backslashes (\\) and forward slashes (\/). While backslashes are only used in computer codes, forward slashes are used as an English punctuation mark. Also known as a slash, forward slashes followed by commas is acceptable only to denote line breaks in poetry, songs, or plays.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Separating Lines of Prose with Slashes<\/h1>\n

Slashes can be used to break lines of prose, poems, songs or plays. This punctuation mark is especially helpful when there are many short lines written as one long line. When breaking lines of prose, leave some space after every slash to indicate a line break. <\/span><\/p>\n

Example: Just like moons and like suns\/ With the certainty of tides\/ Just like hopes springing high\/ Still I’ll rise.<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Denoting Or<\/i> with Slashes<\/h1>\n

Slash can be used in a sentence to denote <\/span>or<\/span><\/i> when writing formal, academic, informal or casual documents. <\/span><\/p>\n

Example: If\/when the rains stop, we can head out to grab a bite.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

I’m not too strict when choosing my stylist; he\/she just needs to have an eye for fashion. <\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Creating Abbreviations with Slashes<\/h1>\n

Abbreviations or shortened words or phrases can be formed by using slashes. However, this usage of slashes should only be confined to informal or creative writing. When using slashes to make abbreviations, the space after the slash can be skipped. <\/span><\/p><\/p>\n

Example: As the a\/c is failing too many times, we might have to buy a new one. <\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Connected and Conflicted Relationships with Slashes<\/h1>\n

In a sentence to indicate a connection or conflict between two phrases or words, place a slash between them. <\/span><\/p>\n

Example: His breakfast choice is always fruits\/fruit salads. <\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dates and Fractions with Slashes<\/h1>\n

An extremely popular usage of the forward slash is to indicate dates or fractions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Example: I need \u00bd of my money back before 1\/12\/18. <\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Spaces and Slashes<\/h1>\n

Leaving a space before or after a slash should be avoided at all costs. The only time leaving space after a slash is acceptable is when breaking up lines in a poem, song, or play.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Quick rules for using the slash<\/h2>\n

Use the forward slash (\/) to show alternatives (and\/or), to separate dates and fractions, or to mark line breaks in poetry and lyrics. The backslash (\\) is a computing symbol and not used as English punctuation.<\/p><\/p>\n

Avoid adding spaces on either side of a slash in running text-spaces make the sentence look disjointed. The only common exception is when a slash indicates a poetic or lyric line break; leave a space after the slash to signal the new line.<\/p>\n

For formal clarity, prefer words (for example, “or,” “and,” or a rephrasing) instead of slashes. Don’t stack slashes to join multiple items; rewrite the sentence to prevent ambiguity.<\/p>\n