Grammar Tip – The Slash
The slash (also called a virgule, diagonal, solidus, oblique, or slant) is a punctuation mark that is often overused. And it often creates the impression of a lazy thinker, particularly when used to imply and/or. Most readers and editors dislike this usage.
Example
We need to get a copy of the presentation in print/electronic form. (This is ambiguous. Can the copy be sent in one form only or are both forms required?)
Revised Examples
We need to get a copy of the presentation in either print or electronic form.?We need to get a copy of the presentation in both print and electronic forms.
Slashes can also be hard on the eye. It is usually preferable to write the alternatives in full. My guideline is that if it sounds strange when you read it, change it.
Examples
Everyone must submit his/her vacation request by Friday. (This sounds odd when you read it aloud.)
Revised Example
Everyone must submit his or her vacation request by Friday.
Here are examples of when slashes can be used in business writing:
To create an abbreviation or to replace the word “per”
Examples
w/ = with
c/o = care of
fiscal year 2007/08
km/hr = kilometres per hour
To show that a person has two functions or a thing has two components
Examples
Owner/operator
Commercial/residential property
Secretary/treasurer
AM/FM radio
On/off switch
Note: There is no spacing on either side of the diagonal.
By the way, this / is a slash; this is a backslash. Backslashes are used only in computer language. Don’t confuse them.