The use of the forward slash (/) has gone too far. Whether known as the slash, diagonal, virgule, slant, or solidus, the mark is simply showing up too often. I used to see them commonly in only and/or and his/her constructions. But lately I can’t turn away from my computer without having another one appear on the screen. Are you experiencing the same thing?
Here are examples:
- Some clients/customers prefer to deal with a local vendor.
- Please provide pricing/packaging information.
- The library has books/tapes/audios/CDs/reference librarians.
- We will use other advertising avenues such as web site/email blasts and direct mail.
- Determine who/what is the subject of your document.
- His title is Director of Budgets/Allocations.
- Provide all substantive correspondence/email with vendors/suppliers/other external persons/organizations.
When I read, I say the words in my mind, sometimes slowly to think about their meaning and sometimes fast just to get the gist of the message. But I always say the words.
So when I get to a slash, I have to stop and think about what word it stands for. For example, in Number 1 above, I can’t just say “clients slash customers”–a gruesome thought. I have to decide that it means “clients and customers.”
In Number 2, I have to slow down to determine whether the meaning is (1) pricing and packaging or (2) pricing or packaging.
In Number 3, I have to insert commas and the word and, or I will imagine several unfortunate librarians squeezed in at the end of a shelf of books/tapes/audios/CDs.
In 4, I wonder whether the writer intends web site blasts and email blasts, or web sites and email blasts.
In 5, I can easily fill in the word or, but I wonder why I have to. Why doesn’t the writer use a two-letter word instead of making me supply it?
In 6, I am sure the director’s life would be easier with a word rather than a slash in his title. He would never have to explain “Budgets slash allocations.”
Number 7 cries out for revision:
Provide all substantive correspondence, including email, with vendors, suppliers, and other external persons and organizations.
What is your view/opinion/experience? Do you have guidelines/suggestions/tips on the use of slashes? (Forgive me. I wrote those questions just to point out how slashes inspire redundancy.)
Please share your comments. And see my earlier post on the legimate use of the slash for combined titles.
Lynn