Punctuation: Slash
The slash ( / ) is often incorrectly called a backslash, especially when a Web address is spoken: "wmich dot edu slash news," not "backslash."
A slash is used in text to separate alternatives (good/evil) and to separate lines of poetry (Roses are red / Violets are blue / It's not a backslash / Really? Who knew?). When used for poetry, there is a space before and after the slash.
Other common uses include 24/7, meaning all day, every day.
To illustrate joint entity or ownership, a hyphen is always preferable to a slash.
- It is a student-faculty initiative.
- We publish a biweekly faculty-staff newsletter.
- She attended the junior-senior dance.
- They are in accordance with the Taft-Hartley Act.
Do not use a slash to separate alternatives when using "and" or "or" would suffice.
- Bring your new and used (not new/used) books to the exchange.
- Please alert your parent or guardian (not parent/guardian).
Avoid the phrase “and/or.â€
- The form is to be completed at the beginning of the fall or spring semesters (not fall and/or spring semesters).