When is it wrong and/or inappropriate to use a slash mark?

Do not use a slash (also called a virgule, solidus, or shill)

when a phrase would be clearer

Each child handed the ball to her mother or guardian.

not

Each child handed the ball to her mother/guardian.

for simple comparisons

Use a hyphen or short dash (en dash) instead.

test–retest reliability

not

test/retest reliability

more than once to express compound units. Use centered dots and parentheses as needed to prevent ambiguity.

nmol • hr^-1 • mg ^-1

not

nmol/hr/mg

(adapted from the fifth edition of APA's Publication Manual, © 2001)

Removing Bias in Language
Disabilities
Race & Ethnicity
Sexuality

Electronic Media
Electronic Media and URLs
Electronic Media Spelling Guide

Authorship Aids
Ethics of Publication
Determining Authorship: Students

Back to Main Tips Page