What is an Ampersand? How to Use Them (Grammar + Examples)

When should you use the ampersand symbol? A unique feature of the English language is the ampersand or ‘&’ symbol. This is an ancient symbol, but most of us are still unsure when to use the ampersand. You might wonder whether you can use the ampersand instead of ‘and’ in academic or official writing.

Today we will try to understand the purpose of this punctuation mark and the contexts for when using the ampersand is allowed or permissible.

What is an ampersand?

As Dictionary.com puts it, the symbol of an ampersand, i.e. ‘&’ stands for the word ‘and’. The character represents the word ‘and.’

The ampersand is a typographical symbol. A typographical symbol is a character that is not a punctuation mark but is used in writing, mainly in informal writing. ‘&’ is used as a substitution for the word ‘and’ and also read aloud as ‘and.’

Origin and meaning of the ampersand

As Grammarist tells us, the ampersand symbol has been in use since the Roman empire. Its first appearance was in the first century in Old Roman Cursive.

Originally, the ampersand was a ligature, which means it is a character combining two letters. It is a combination of the ‘e’ and ’t’, which together form the Latin word ‘et.’ Since ‘et’ means ‘and’, it is widely used instead of ‘and’ in informal writing. 

The word ‘ampersand’ has a unique origin. Interestingly, the ‘&’ symbol was once considered to be the 27th letter of the alphabet and is a shortened version of “and per se and.”

It was around then that the mispronunciation of ‘and per se’ or ‘and per se and’ started. And this led to the formation of the word ‘ampersand’. It is a mondegreen. In the 19th century, the ‘&’ mark came to be known as the ampersand symbol.

Which is better – using the ampersand (&) or ‘and’?

Authors, especially business writers, must be aware of when to use the ampersand and the rules of its application. 

It is better to use ‘and’ in titles, headings, and regular texts. Some applications where it is better or okay to use the ampersand are:

• When referring to proper nouns.
• While mentioning collaborations in film credits and titles (of novels, albums, songs).
• For designing titles and logos.
• For shorthand expressions.
• When abbreviating ‘et cetera’ as ‘&c’.
• To signify ‘and’ in a list where the word ’and’ or commas are used as separators in a sentence.
• In citations having multiple authors.
• When there are two addresses.

When to use the ampersand in formal writing

As you might have understood, it is better to avoid using the ampersand when writing professionally, i.e., in emails and other business writing. It is acceptable to use ‘&’ in place of ‘and,’ where there is space constraint and signages and titles.

Where to put the ‘&’: Ampersand examples

The following sentences will help you understand when to use the ampersand correctly:

• Stan, Kiara & Lucy went to the mall.
• Johnson & Johnson sells great baby products.
• I would love an egg, milk, and a peanut butter & jelly sandwich for breakfast.
• Sending you hugs & kisses bestie!
• She is going to Tiffany & Co. to buy new jewelry. 

Conclusion

The rules given above are all unwritten rules about the use of the ampersand. But to the question, ‘when to use the ampersand?’, the best answer is never. It is best to avoid it altogether if you can. It makes the writer look careless and less professional, except while using it in shorthand terms and proper names. You can use the ampersand in place of ‘and’ in informal writing, like handwritten notes and emails to loved ones.

More punctuation marks (all 26 marks)