FORWARD SLASH SYMBOL: How and When to Use It

This video explains when to use the forward slash symbol /. There are 5 main uses. Each one is illustrated with sentence examples. Learn how and when to use slash in your writing and improve the professionalism of your business communications.

Here is a transcript of the video: When to Use a SLASH

Slide 2:
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Slide 3:
The forward slash or slash as it is commonly called, has
5 main uses in English . . .

Note: The backslash (\) is only used in computer coding

Slide 4:
Use number 1. to indicate OR

In the picture we see an iPhone left on a table.

Sentence example: A customer had left his/her phone on the table.

In other words, a customer, either him or her, had left their phone on the table.

Slide 5:
Use number 2. in abbreviations

The picture shows an old envelope postmarked 1935, to the Illinois Steel Company, care of F. J. Reif.

The sentence reads: The abbreviation c/o means “care of” and it is used in an address when the letter is being sent to a person by using someone else’s address or a company address.

Slide 6:
Use number 3. dates & fractions

In the picture we see the date 1^st of the 1^st 2022 is written using the slash symbol and also the fraction two thirds.

Slide 7:
Use number 4. line break (poem or song)

In the picture we seen the opening verse of a poem by Robert Frost written in continuous lines, with the line break indicated by a slash.

Slide 8:
Use number 5. to indicate connection or conflict

The picture shows a cleverly designed graphic showing the conflict between those who believe in creation and those who believe in evolution.

The sentence reads: The evolution/creation debate has stirred up much controversy for many decades.

It could also be written: “the evolution vs creation debate”.

Slide 9:
So in summary, the slash symbol can be used:

to indicate OR
in abbreviations
in dates and fractions
to indicate a line break
to indicate connection or conflict

Slide 10:
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Slide 11:
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If you are interested in the FORWARD SLASH SYMBOL and how and when to use it, be sure to check another entry in THE PUNCTUATION GUIDE:
How to Use a NUMBER SIGN #

Image Credits:

Slide 4 – phone
Creative Commons
https://www.semtrio.com/
https://flic.kr/p/2ba43BF

Slide 5 – envelope
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/Scy6PC

Slide 7 – evolution creation
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/fE9Mtp

Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

Creative Commons Attribution Licence
Others are allowed to copy, distribute, display, and perform copyrighted work – and derivative works based upon it if they give credit to the creator or source.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode