When to Use a Slash: Backslash (\) vs Forward Slash (/)

The differences between a backslash (\) vs a forward slash (/). Learn how when to use a slash (a virgule) in English with examples, punctuation rules and ESL image.

Backslash vs Forward Slash

What is a slash? what is the symbol (\) called? What is the symbol (/) called?

The symbol (\) is called a backslash, while (/) is called a forward slash, which is also known as a virgule, a stroke or even an oblique dash. Thus there are two types of slashes in the English language: a backslash (\) and a forward slash (/).

The backslash (\) is a typographical mark used merely for computer coding and file names. It is not a form of punctuation mark in English. We often use the backslash to separate computer folder names, especially in Windows systems.

The backslash (\) Examples:

• C:\Program Files
• D:\OFFICE\OFFICE 2010

The forward slash (/), often simply referred to as a slash (which is also known as a stroke, a virgule, or even an oblique dash), is a punctuation mark used in English. The slash can be used to separate lines in a song or poem when they are written in a continuous line. This punctuation mark is also used in place of the word or. It can also be used to show two contradictory notions.

When to Use a Slash (/)

1. We use slashes to separate parts of a website address (URL) on the Internet.

Examples:

• https://7esl.com/
• https://www.google.com/

2. We use the slash to form abbreviations.

Examples:

• w/o (without)
• w/ (with)
• b/4 (before)
• b/c (because)
• j/k (just kidding)
• s/t (something)
• n/a (not applicable, not available)

3. We use slashes in dates to separate day, month and year.

Examples:

• He was born on 26/07/1995. (British English)
• She arrived in Tokyo on 03/20/2001. (American English)

4. We use slashes to indicate fractions.

Examples:

• ½ (a half/ one half)
• ¾ (three quarters)
• 1½ (one and a half)

5. We use the slash to indicate the word “OR”

Examples:

• When his/her client comes, call him on this number.
• The director is allowed to designate his/ her successor.
• He/ she can help you as an objective legal adviser.

6. We use the slash to express the word “PER”.

Examples:

• He clocked up 180 km/h on the straight in that car.
• An average electric bill might go up $4/month.
• The price of oil had fallen to $18/barrel.

7. We use the slash to separate lines from a poem or song.

Example:

• Mary had a little lamb/ little lamb, little lamb/ Mary had a little lamb/ whose fleece was white as snow.

8. We use the slash to show contradictory notions.

Example:

• The optimism/pessimism ideologies are very popular today. 

How to Use Slashes Correctly | Picture