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What Are Slashes (/)

There are two types of slashes:

backslash (\) forward slash (/)

The backslash is used only for computer coding.The forward slash referred as a slash; is a punctuation mark used in English.

Use of slash:



1. To Separate Lines in Prose

A slash can show a line break in a poem, song, or play, usually if several short lines are being written together on one long line.


Examples:

  • Mary had a little lamb/ little lamb, little lamb/ Mary had a little lamb/ whose fleece was white as snow.
  • Note that there is a space after each slash.

2. To Indicate Or

Often, when a slash is used in a formal or informal text, it is meant to indicate the word or.


Examples:

  • When leaving the classroom, the teacher noticed that a student had left his/her backpack.
  • College freshmen should bring a mattress and/or cot to sleep on during orientation.
  • If/when Mary ever shows up, we can all head out to the party together.

3. To Form Abbreviations

Slashes can also be used to form some abbreviations or shortened forms of words or phrases, although these should not be used in formal writing.


Examples:

  • w/o = without
  • c/o = care of (used when posting a letter or parcel)
  • a/c = air conditioning
  • Notice that in these cases, no space is necessary after the slash.

4. To Indicate Connecting and Conflicting Relationships

Slashes can also be used to note that there is a connection or conflict between two words or phrases in a sentence.


Examples:

  • The pro-life/pro-choice debate is a hot-button issue for many voters this election.
  • The designer often works in his bonus room/home office.

5. To Denote Dates and Fractions

One of the most commonly recognized usages of the forward slash is to indicate dates and fractions:


Examples:

  • 1/2 (one half)
  • 2/3 (two thirds)
  • 9/10 (nine tenths)
  • On credit card: Expires end 10/15 (October 2015)
  • He was born on 30/11/2007. (30th November 2007 – Br. Eng.)
  • It was invented on 11/30/2007. (November 30th, 2007 – Am. Eng.)

6. To indicate ‘per’

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


Examples:

  • 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)

7. To separate parts of website address:

The slash is used to separate parts of a website address (URL) on the Internet, and to separate folders on some computer systems.


Examples:

  • www.example.com/writing/slash.htm
  • file:///Users/mac/tara/photos/image.jpg

8. Space Before and After Slash

Spaces before and after slashes should be avoided. The only time it is acceptable to use a space after a slash is when breaking up lines of a poem, song, or play.

Examples:

  • www.example.com/writing/slash.htm
  • file:///Users/mac/tara/photos/image.jpg
  • The eggs cost $3/dozen. ($3 per dozen)