Is it better to use AND or &?
Reader’s question: When do you use an ampersand (&) instead of ‘and’? Answer: You can use ampersands in titles, signage and website buttons where space is limited or the ampersand is part of an organisation’s branding. Use and, not ampersands in business writing, even for emails. It is more professional.
How do you use &?
In citations when the source has more than one author, use an ampersand to connect the last two (Smith, Greene & Jones, 2008). Some style guides (APA) recommend using the ampersand here while others (Chicago Manual of Style and The MLA Style Manual) write out “and.” When identifying more than one addressee: “Mr. & Mrs.
Do you use an Oxford comma with an ampersand?
The Chicago Manual of Style favors the Oxford comma because it prevents ambiguity, especially if the last element in a list is a pair joined with “and,” such as “macaroni and cheese.” If there is an ampersand in the sentence, there is a comma before the ampersand, such as in a citation (in APA format):
Do you put a comma before the and symbol?
The word and is a conjunction, and when a conjunction joins two independent clauses, you should use a comma with it. The proper place for the comma is before the conjunction.
Why is it called an ampersand?
That very first ampersand was a ligature—that is, a character consisting of two or more letters joined together. Its creator was joining the letters e and t, of the Latin word et, meaning “and.” “And per se, and” eventually evolved into ampersand, the word we know and love today.
Where do you put commas in a list?
Rule 1. Use commas to separate words and word groups in a simple series of three or more items. Example: My estate goes to my husband, son, daughter-in-law, and nephew. Note: When the last comma in a series comes before and or or (after daughter-in-law in the above example), it is known as the Oxford comma.
Do you use a comma when listing 3 things?
Use commas to separate three or more items in a series. Lists of three or more words, phrases, and clauses require commas between each item. For example: a. The fox shouts, cackles, and yells.
Do you use a comma when Listing 2 things?
Commas with Two List Items. When there are two items in a list, don’t use a comma to separate the list items (unless it helps your reader). For example: Please buy bread and milk.
How do you list more than 3 things in a sentence?
An Oxford Comma is a comma used before the last list item in a list of three or more items. When there are three or more list items, then those following “US convention” should use a comma (often called an Oxford Comma) with the conjunction (usually “and” or “or”).
How do you list things in writing?
In-sentence lists.
- Use a colon to introduce the list items only if a complete sentence precedes the list.
- Use both opening and closing parentheses on the list item numbers or letters: (a) item, (b) item, etc.
- Use either regular Arabic numbers or lowercase letters within the parentheses, but use them consistently.
How do you list multiple things in a sentence?
Use a “loose” format—vertical space between list items—if the list items are multiple lines long. Punctuate list items only if they are complete sentences or clauses or phrases that complete the sentence begun by the lead-in (and use periods in these two cases).
What is it called when you list things in a sentence?
Definition. In English grammar, a series is a list of three or more items (words, phrases, or clauses), usually arranged in parallel form. Also known as a list or catalog. The items in a series are usually separated by commas (or semicolons if the items themselves contain commas). See Serial Commas.
Do you use a semicolon before a list?
A semicolon is most commonly used to link (in a single sentence) two independent clauses that are closely related in thought. Use a semicolon between items in a list or series if any of the items contain commas.
How do you list things in an essay examples?
Writing a list into a sentence is one way to include them with MLA essays. Use a colon to introduce the list in the sentence and then use commas or semicolons to split the list up. You can number items in the list by using parentheses without the “and” at the end.
Can I put bullet points in an essay?
Bullet points are frowned upon in the essays. The structure of the essays should be formal, while the tone may deviate slighly from formal conventions (you don’t want to sound like you have a stick up your rear). Also, in your essays – should you mention numbers or rather write them – eg. small numbers write out…
Is numbering allowed in essay writing?
A simple rule for using numbers in writing is that small numbers ranging from one to ten (or one to nine, depending on the style guide) should generally be spelled out. Larger numbers (i.e., above ten) are written as numerals.
How do you list questions in an essay?
A: Yes, a series of questions in the middle of a sentence, surrounded by dashes or parentheses, is punctuated in just that way. Each question begins with a lowercase letter and ends with a question mark, according to language guides.
What are questions to ask?
Break the ice and get to know people better by selecting several of these get-to-know-you questions.
- Who is your hero?
- If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
- What is your biggest fear?
- What is your favorite family vacation?
- What would you change about yourself if you could?
- What really makes you angry?
How do you use multiple questions in a sentence?
When someone asks two questions and uses “or” in between, there are two options: Put a comma/semicolon before the “or” that separates the two sentences and a question mark at the end; or make it into two questions.
Can you use two question marks in a sentence?
1 Answer. According to this source, using two question marks in a sentence is not correct where both quoted words and the sentence are questions. For those rare occasions when both the quoted words and the sentence are questions, put the question mark inside the quotation marks.
What does 3 question marks mean in a text?
Two question marks indicate a much more questiony question. Three is for really, really, REALLY questiony questions. More than three is a mistake.
What does two question marks mean when texting?
If double question marks are uses it is to emphasise something in return, usually from the shock of the previous thing said. For example, if I said: ‘My dog just died’ (sad, but used for example…) Someone may reply. ‘Really??’
Are double question marks rude?
In general, avoid what could be called aggressive punctuation: the combination of multiple consecutive exclamation points and/or question marks (instead of the usual allotment of one) to demonstrate anger, irritation, or urgency. In business communications, such punctuation can be inflammatory or offensive.
Are exclamation points flirty?
1 | Punctuation: Exclamation point! Because when you start overusing it, you look like an overeager, un-confident amateur. However, when used properly, an exclamation point can set a light, flirtatious tone… can convey excitement… and can even demonstrate interest in the person.
What does question marks mean in a text?
Every so often, an emoji update is released, and people are given a whole new slew of cartoon images to help express their emotions via text. So when you get that little question mark in a box, or that little blank rectangle, it means that a friend is using an emoji that’s only available in a newer software version.
Are exclamation marks rude?
An exclamation mark usually shows strong feeling, such as surprise, anger or joy. Using an exclamation mark when writing is rather like shouting or raising your voice when speaking. You should avoid using exclamation marks in formal writing, unless absolutely necessary. …