Slash

Slashes aren't used often in Standard English, so when you do use them, make sure you use them correctly. Here are four rules to know:

1. Use slashes with dates.

5/13/65

2. Use a slash with certain pairs of words. Read the slash as and or or.

he/she = he or she

the soup/salad lunch = the soup and salad lunch

the February/March issue = the February and March issue

3. Use a slash with fractions.

21/2        7/8

4. Use a slash to mean per.

10 miles/hour = 10 miles per hour

12 candles/box = 12 candles per box

2 aspirin/day = 2 aspirin per day

Go to The Guide to Grammar and Writing section on Slash.

Return back to Grammar Rules page.