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The ampersand (the "&" symbol) is an unusual feature of the English language. It supposedly has survived in a limited form since the days of the Roman Empire. Despite the mark's longevity, people may still sometimes have questions about when and how to use it.
In formal writing, use of the ampersand to replace the word "and" is typically not encouraged. However, as we'll see in a moment, the mark still has a function within specific formal references, as well as a couple of everyday purposes within informal writing. In today's post we'll consider how to put the ampersand to work in those contexts.
How to Use an Ampersand: Three Applications
The word ampersand is a shortened version of "and per se and," and it denotes things that go together.
Generally speaking, there are three ways in which you might use an ampersand:
As part of an official name (formal and informal). Many businesses and enterprises incorporate the ampersand into their official names. One well-known example is the famous jeweler Tiffany & Co. You may see it on storefront signs for business names such as Miller & Associates or Foxx & Sons as well.
In these instances the ampersand shows that the parties go together while also shortening the overall name of the partnership or enterprise.
As part of a descriptive clause (informal). When several items are listed together, an ampersand may be used to tie together words or descriptions that would otherwise be less clear. For example, you might write: My favorite breakfasts are donuts, pancakes, biscuits & gravy, and bacon & eggs.
The purpose of the ampersand here is to avoid having to write "and" repeatedly in a way that might make the sentence difficult to follow.
As shorthand for "and" (informal). Perhaps the most frequent use of an ampersand is as a substitute for the word "and." This can be helpful when you are writing quickly or you need to make space. This use of the ampersand is an informal one that shouldn't be overdone, but occasionally you might use the symbol to save character space on paper; simply use proper judgment concerning your document. |
If a series of three or more items includes an ampersand in place of the word and, including an Oxford comma after the ampersand is a matter of writer style and preference, although some may feel that omission of the comma looks better typographically:
The company's new name is Riley, Jeffers, & Sterns.
The company's new name is Riley, Jeffers & Sterns. |
For further insight into the use of the ampersand in formal writing, see our post & What About the Ampersand?
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