Lately I’ve seen the ampersand used frequently within sentences in formal writing.
The ampersand (&) represents the word and.
The word ampersand comes from the phrase and, per se and. It means “and intrinsically the word and.” The symbol is a graphic representation of the Latin et, which translates to “and.”
It’s used to indicate collaboration or partnership.
But the word and isn’t interchangeable with the ampersand.
Some people love to replace and with &. I see it sprinkled throughout manuscripts. I see it in web copy, in business letters, in graduate school admissions essays, and even in academic papers (not just in the citations). Maybe texting slang is getting in the way of proper English. Maybe people think their writing looks better with the ampersand.
Although the ampersand is a visually pleasing symbol, it’s not an option to choose it over and just because you want to.
So when can you use the ampersand?
• In names and titles—for example, AT&T
• In an address—it’s ok to write “Mr. & Mrs. Jones”
• In a place where space must be saved—such as notes in a table
• In designs—for example, an ampersand is used on this website
• In citations with multiple authors—such as MLA or APA citations
• In informal notes—such as texts, tweets, or letters to friends
Is it wrong to use the ampersand to replace and within a sentence? Yes. The rule is that the ampersand shouldn’t be used when you feel like shortening the word and.
You might think this is a ridiculous rule. But the success of your writing comes down to following rules.
Remember what the purpose of rules are in writing: to make communication as clear as possible. Used incorrectly, the ampersand is an obstacle that blocks clarity.
It’s ok to love the ampersand. But use it correctly so your readers don’t stumble through the ideas you’re presenting.
