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Forward slash

Forward slash

Owned by Shira Nagel
Feb 20, 2016

The main functions of the forward slash (also known as a diagonal, oblique or solidus) are shown below.

To indicate alternatives

yes/no, male/female

To form certain standard abbreviations

a/c, c/-

To denote fractions

1/3, 1/16

To express the words per, an or a when units of measurement are abbreviated

60 km/h

Generally there is no space before or after the forward slash when used between individual words, letters or symbols; however one space is added before and after the oblique when used between longer groups which contain internal spacing.
Example where there is no space:
n/a.
Example where there is a space:

  • Language and Society / Langue et société
  • New Zealand / Western Australia trip
  • small group / cooperative learning.

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