Punctuation Marks: Slash

  

 

Slash (/)

The slash is also known as: forward slash, stroke, oblique. You should use the slash with care in formal writing.

· A slash is often used to indicate "or":

-        Dear Sir/Madam (Sir or Madam)

-        The speech will be given by President/Senator Clinton. (President Clinton or Senator Clinton)

-        Mary will eat cake and/or fruit. (Mary will eat cake, or Mary will eat fruit, or Mary will eat cake and fruit.)

Do not over-use the slash to indicate "or". It can suggest laziness on the part of the writer. The "and/or" construction is widely considered to be very bad form.

· Use a slash for fractions:

-        1/2 (one half)

-        2/3 (two thirds)

-        9/10 (nine tenths)

· Use a slash to indicate "per" in measurements of speed, prices etc:

-        The speed limit is 100 km/h. (kilometres per hour)

-        He can type at 75 w/m. (words per minute)

-        The eggs cost $3/dozen. ($3 per dozen)

-        They charge €1.50/litre for petrol. (€1.50 per litre)

· People often use a slash in certain abbreviations:

-        This is my a/c number. (account)

-        n/a (not applicable, not available)

-        w/o (without)

· A slash is often used in dates to separate day, month and year:

-     On credit card: Expires end 10/15 (October 2015)

-     He was born on 30/11/2007. (30th November 2007 - BrE)

-     It was invented on 11/30/2007. (November 30th, 2007 - AmE)

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Sources:

Cooper, T., Fallas, J., & Flaherty, F. (2011). English Style Guide: Seventh edition. European Commission.

Englishclub.com. (2013). Punctuation. Retrieved from http://www.englishclub.com/writing/punctuation.htm.

Phythian, B. A. (2012). Correct English: Pedoman Belajar Bahasa Inggris. Jakarta : PT. Indeks.

       Wikipedia. (2013). Punctuation. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Punctuation.