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Using ellipses, slashes and other less common punctuation marks.
Practice: build the sentences →English uses ellipses, slashes, brackets, asterisks, and other less common punctuation marks for omission, alternatives, editorial information, references, and specialized notation.
The exact conventions depend strongly on context, register, and publication style.
I was going to say ... but I changed my mind.
Я собирался сказать ... но передумал.
The ellipsis indicates a pause or trailing off.
and/or
и/или
The slash indicates alternatives.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson
The ampersand represents "and" in a company name.
See note * below.
Смотрите примечание * ниже.
The asterisk marks a note or footnote.
She [the manager] approved the request.
Она [менеджер] одобрила запрос.
Square brackets enclose inserted material.
An ellipsis normally consists of three dots and indicates omitted material, an unfinished thought, or a pause or trailing-off effect.
For example, I was going to say ... but I changed my mind.
I was going to say ... but I changed my mind.
Я собирался сказать ... но передумал.
An ellipsis indicates an unfinished thought or pause.
Well ... I am not sure.
Ну ... я не уверен.
The ellipsis represents hesitation.
If only I had known ...
Если бы я только знал ...
The ellipsis shows a trailing-off thought.
I thought you were going to ... never mind.
Я думал, ты собирался ... неважно.
The ellipsis represents an unfinished sentence.
The results were ... unexpected.
Результаты были ... неожиданными.
The ellipsis indicates a pause for effect.
An ellipsis can show that words have been deliberately omitted from a quotation or text.
For example, The report states that the system ... is currently unavailable.
The report states that the system ... is currently unavailable.
В отчёте говорится, что система ... в настоящее время недоступна.
The ellipsis shows omitted words from a quotation.
"The results ... were unexpected."
«Результаты ... были неожиданными».
The ellipsis marks omitted material within a quotation.
She said, "I was going to ... but I forgot."
Она сказала: «Я собиралась ... но забыла».
The ellipsis indicates omitted words in direct speech.
The author writes, "The data ... supports the hypothesis."
Автор пишет: «Данные ... подтверждают гипотезу».
The ellipsis replaces omitted text.
The manual says, "Press the button ... then wait."
В руководстве сказано: «Нажмите кнопку ... затем подождите».
The ellipsis indicates a deliberate omission.
In informal dialogue, an ellipsis can represent hesitation, uncertainty, or a sentence that trails off.
For example, I thought you were going to ... never mind.
I thought you were going to ... never mind.
Я думал, ты собирался ... неважно.
The ellipsis represents hesitation or trailing off.
Well ... I am not sure.
Ну ... я не уверен.
The ellipsis shows uncertainty.
If only I had known ...
Если бы я только знал ...
The ellipsis indicates an unfinished thought.
I was going to call you ... but then I forgot.
Я собирался позвонить тебе ... но потом забыл.
The ellipsis represents a pause in speech.
She started to say something ... then stopped.
Она начала что-то говорить ... потом остановилась.
The ellipsis shows hesitation.
An ellipsis can indicate that a speaker stops before completing an expected thought.
For example, If only I had known ...
If only I had known ...
Если бы я только знал ...
The ellipsis indicates an unfinished thought.
I was going to say ... but I changed my mind.
Я собирался сказать ... но передумал.
The ellipsis shows a thought left incomplete.
She wanted to explain ... but could not find the words.
Она хотела объяснить ... но не могла найти слов.
The ellipsis represents an incomplete thought.
He began to speak ... then fell silent.
Он начал говорить ... затем замолчал.
The ellipsis indicates a trailing-off.
I thought you were going to ... never mind.
Я думал, ты собирался ... неважно.
The ellipsis shows an unfinished sentence.
Ellipsis can represent hesitation or searching for words in informal written dialogue.
For example, Well ... I am not sure.
Well ... I am not sure.
Ну ... я не уверен.
The ellipsis represents hesitation.
I ... I do not know what to say.
Я ... я не знаю, что сказать.
The ellipsis shows searching for words.
She paused ... then continued.
Она помолчала ... затем продолжила.
The ellipsis indicates a pause.
It was ... how shall I put it ... unusual.
Это было ... как бы это сказать ... необычно.
The ellipsis shows hesitation in phrasing.
I was going to ... but I forgot.
Я собирался ... но забыл.
The ellipsis represents an incomplete thought.
An ellipsis can indicate that part of a quoted passage has been omitted.
For example, "The results ... were unexpected."
"The results ... were unexpected."
«Результаты ... были неожиданными».
The ellipsis indicates omitted material in a quotation.
The report states, "The system ... is currently unavailable."
В отчёте говорится: «Система ... в настоящее время недоступна».
The ellipsis marks omitted words.
She said, "I was going to ... but I forgot."
Она сказала: «Я собиралась ... но забыла».
The ellipsis shows an omission in direct speech.
The author writes, "The data ... supports the hypothesis."
Автор пишет: «Данные ... подтверждают гипотезу».
The ellipsis replaces omitted text.
The manual says, "Press the button ... then wait."
В руководстве сказано: «Нажмите кнопку ... затем подождите».
The ellipsis indicates a deliberate omission.
When an omission occurs at the end of a sentence, the punctuation convention may require both the sentence-ending punctuation and the ellipsis depending on style.
Quotation and editorial styles differ in how many dots are displayed and where the final punctuation appears.
She said, "I was going to call ... but then I forgot."
Она сказала: «Я собиралась позвонить ... но потом забыла».
The ellipsis is followed by the rest of the sentence.
The report states, "The results ... were unexpected."
В отчёте говорится: «Результаты ... были неожиданными».
The ellipsis does not replace the full stop.
He paused ... then continued.
Он помолчал ... затем продолжил.
The ellipsis indicates a pause, not a sentence end.
If only I had known ...
Если бы я только знал ...
The ellipsis may stand at the end without a full stop.
I thought you were going to ... never mind.
Я думал, ты собирался ... неважно.
The ellipsis is followed by a new sentence.
Spacing around ellipses varies according to the publication or style guide being followed.
Some styles use spaces around three separate dots, while others treat the ellipsis as a single typographic character.
I was going to say ... but I changed my mind.
Я собирался сказать ... но передумал.
Spaces are used around the ellipsis in this style.
I was going to say...but I changed my mind.
Я собирался сказать...но передумал.
No spaces around the ellipsis in some styles.
Well ... I am not sure.
Ну ... я не уверен.
Spaces around the ellipsis.
Well...I am not sure.
Ну...я не уверен.
No spaces around the ellipsis.
The results ... were unexpected.
Результаты ... были неожиданными.
Spaces around the ellipsis in this style.
An ellipsis is conceptually different from simply placing three unrelated full stops together.
For example, an ellipsis can indicate omission or trailing off, while three full stops used independently may result from incorrect punctuation.
I was going to say ... but I changed my mind.
Я собирался сказать ... но передумал.
The ellipsis indicates an omission or pause.
The work is finished. We can leave now.
Работа закончена. Мы можем уйти сейчас.
Two full stops separate two sentences.
If only I had known ...
Если бы я только знал ...
The ellipsis shows a trailing-off thought.
I thought you were going to ... never mind.
Я думал, ты собирался ... неважно.
The ellipsis is not simply three full stops.
The report states, "The results ... were unexpected."
В отчёте говорится: «Результаты ... были неожиданными».
The ellipsis marks omitted material.
A slash can indicate alternatives or paired possibilities in concise writing.
For example, and/or, pass/fail, and he/she.
and/or
и/или
The slash indicates alternatives.
pass/fail
зачёт/незачёт
The slash separates paired possibilities.
he/she
он/она
The slash shows alternatives in gender.
Yes/No
Да/Нет
The slash separates two options.
single/married
холост/женат
The slash indicates alternative statuses.
Slashes are commonly used in numerical date formats, although the resulting date may be ambiguous internationally.
For example, 08/15/2026 and 15/08/2026 follow different regional conventions.
08/15/2026
15.08.2026
The slash separates month/day/year in American format.
15/08/2026
15/08/2026
The slash separates day/month/year in British format.
04/05/2026 is ambiguous.
04/05/2026 неоднозначно.
Numeric dates with slashes can be ambiguous internationally.
The date is 12/25/2025 in American format.
Дата — 25.12.2025 в американском формате.
The slash separates month, day, and year.
The date is 25/12/2025 in British format.
Дата — 25.12.2025 в британском формате.
The slash separates day, month, and year.
A slash can represent a fraction in plain text and informal numerical writing.
For example, 1/2, 3/4, and 5/8.
1/2
1/2
The slash represents the fraction one half.
3/4
3/4
The slash represents three quarters.
5/8
5/8
The slash represents five eighths.
2/3
2/3
The slash represents two thirds.
7/10
7/10
The slash represents seven tenths.
A slash can represent per in compact technical and numerical notation.
For example, km/h, $10/hour, and 60 words/minute.
km/h
км/ч
The slash represents "per" in a rate.
$10/hour
$10/час
The slash represents "per" in a rate.
60 words/minute
60 слов/минуту
The slash indicates a rate.
m/s
м/с
The slash represents "per" in scientific notation.
50 miles/gallon
50 миль/галлон
The slash shows a unit rate.
Slashes can separate alternative words or expressions in notes and informal communication, but prose normally benefits from fully written alternatives.
For example, and/or may occur in forms, while ordinary prose often uses or or a clearer reformulation.
and/or
и/или
The slash is common in informal and form-based writing.
w/
с/
The slash abbreviates "with" in informal notes.
n/a
н/д
The slash abbreviates "not applicable".
he/she
он/она
The slash indicates alternatives informally.
In formal prose, write "and or" or "or" instead of "and/or".
В формальной прозе пишите «и или» или «или» вместо «и/или».
Avoid slashes in formal prose when possible.
A slash normally separates alternatives or represents a relationship, while a hyphen joins elements into a single compound.
For example, pass/fail versus part-time.
pass/fail
зачёт/незачёт
The slash separates alternatives.
part-time
с частичной занятостью
The hyphen joins elements into a compound.
he/she
он/она
The slash indicates alternatives.
well-known
известный
The hyphen joins a compound adjective.
and/or
и/или
The slash shows alternative options.
The ampersand represents and in names, labels, business names, and certain specialized contexts.
For example, Johnson & Johnson and R&D.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson
The ampersand is used in a company name.
R&D
НИОКР
The ampersand represents "and" in an abbreviation.
AT&T
AT&T
The ampersand is part of a brand name.
Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer
The ampersand is used in a business name.
P&G
P&G
The ampersand is part of an abbreviation.
In ordinary formal prose, and is generally preferred to the ampersand unless a particular name or style requires &.
For example, research and development in normal prose versus R&D as an established abbreviation.
research and development
исследования и разработки
In ordinary prose, use "and" rather than "&".
R&D
НИОКР
The ampersand is acceptable in an established abbreviation.
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson
The ampersand is required in the company name.
The company focuses on research and development.
Компания сосредоточена на исследованиях и разработках.
Use "and" in ordinary prose.
R&D spending increased.
Расходы на НИОКР выросли.
The ampersand is used in the abbreviation.
An asterisk can mark a note, footnote, correction, or special comment.
For example, an asterisk after a word can refer the reader to a note below.
See note * below.
Смотрите примечание * ниже.
The asterisk marks a note or footnote.
This is a required field*.
Это обязательное поле*.
The asterisk refers to a note.
*Terms and conditions apply.
*Применяются условия.
The asterisk marks a footnote.
The word has an asterisk* next to it.
Рядом со словом стоит звёздочка*.
The asterisk indicates a note.
Use an asterisk to mark the correction.
Используйте звёздочку, чтобы отметить исправление.
The asterisk marks a correction.
Multiple asterisks can indicate successive notes or omissions when no numbered footnote system is being used.
For example, *, **, and *** may identify different notes in informal formats.
See notes *, **, and *** below.
Смотрите примечания *, ** и *** ниже.
Multiple asterisks indicate successive notes.
This is the first note*.
Это первое примечание*.
A single asterisk marks the first note.
This is the second note**.
Это второе примечание**.
Two asterisks mark the second note.
This is the third note***.
Это третье примечание***.
Three asterisks mark the third note.
The asterisks refer to different notes.
Звёздочки относятся к разным примечаниям.
Multiple asterisks distinguish notes.
In informal digital communication, an asterisk can introduce a corrected form of an earlier typo or mistake.
For example, I meant Tuesday. *Thursday.
I meant Tuesday. *Thursday.
Я имел в виду вторник. *четверг.
The asterisk introduces a correction.
The meeting is on Monday. *Tuesday.
Встреча в понедельник. *вторник.
The asterisk marks a corrected word.
I said 5 p.m. *6 p.m.
Я сказал 17:00. *18:00.
The asterisk introduces a correction.
The file is named report1. *report2.
Файл называется report1. *report2.
The asterisk indicates the corrected version.
I will arrive at 9. *10.
Я приеду в 9. *10.
The asterisk introduces a correction in informal writing.
Asterisks can replace letters in censored or partially obscured words in informal or media writing.
For example, f*** may be used to partially obscure a swear word.
f***
f***
Asterisks partially obscure a swear word.
sh**
sh**
Asterisks censor part of a word.
What the h***?
Какого чёрта?
Asterisks replace letters in a censored word.
The word is censored as d***.
Слово зацензурено как d***.
Asterisks obscure the word.
He wrote "f***" instead of the swear word.
Он написал «f***» вместо ругательства.
Asterisks are used for censorship.
Square brackets can enclose inserted, editorial, or explanatory material, especially inside quotations.
For example, "She [the manager] approved the request."
"She [the manager] approved the request."
«Она [менеджер] одобрила запрос».
Square brackets enclose inserted material.
The author states, "The results [of the study] were inconclusive."
Автор утверждает: «Результаты [исследования] были неубедительными».
Brackets clarify the quotation.
He said, "I [have] always supported the plan."
Он сказал: «Я [всегда] поддерживал план».
Brackets show editorial modification.
The report notes, "The system [was] unavailable for hours."
В отчёте отмечается: «Система [была] недоступна часами».
Brackets for grammatical clarity.
She wrote, "The data [does] not support the conclusion."
Она написала: «Данные [не] подтверждают вывод».
Brackets for inserted correction.
Square brackets can indicate that a quoted text has been grammatically adapted or supplemented by the current writer.
For example, "They [the researchers] concluded that..."
"They [the researchers] concluded that..."
«Они [исследователи] пришли к выводу, что...»
Brackets indicate editorial clarification.
The report states, "The system [was] unavailable."
В отчёте говорится: «Система [была] недоступна».
Brackets mark a grammatical adaptation.
He said, "I [have] always supported the plan."
Он сказал: «Я [всегда] поддерживал план».
Brackets show inserted material.
The author writes, "The data [does] not support the conclusion."
Автор пишет: «Данные [не] подтверждают вывод».
Brackets indicate editorial change.
She wrote, "The results [of the study] were inconclusive."
Она написала: «Результаты [исследования] были неубедительными».
Brackets clarify the quoted text.
Square brackets can enclose sic to indicate that an unusual or incorrect form is reproduced exactly from the source.
For example, "The results was [sic] significant."
"The results was [sic] significant."
«The results was [sic] significant».
[sic] indicates the error is in the original.
He wrote, "The affect [sic] was immediate."
Он написал: «The affect [sic] was immediate».
[sic] marks a spelling error from the source.
The note read, "Their going to the store [sic]."
В записке было написано: «Their going to the store [sic]».
[sic] indicates an unusual form from the original.
She wrote, "I could of [sic] helped."
Она написала: «I could of [sic] helped».
[sic] marks a grammatical error in the source.
The article states, "The definately [sic] significant result."
В статье сказано: «The definately [sic] significant result».
[sic] shows the error is reproduced exactly.
Angle brackets are used mainly in technical, mathematical, programming, linguistic, and specialized notation rather than ordinary prose.
Examples include <tag> in markup and angle-bracket notation in specialized references.
<tag>
<tag>
Angle brackets are used in markup and technical notation.
<html>
<html>
Angle brackets enclose HTML tags.
<div>
<div>
Angle brackets are used in programming.
The notation <x, y> represents a pair.
Обозначение <x, y> представляет пару.
Angle brackets are used in mathematics.
In linguistics, <word> may indicate a grapheme.
В лингвистике <word> может обозначать графему.
Angle brackets have specialized uses.
The backslash is primarily a technical symbol used in computing and certain mathematical or formal notations rather than ordinary English prose.
For example, backslashes occur in file paths and programming syntax.
C:\Users\Name
C:\Users\Name
The backslash is used in file paths.
print("Hello\nWorld")
print("Hello\nWorld")
The backslash is used in programming escape sequences.
The path is C:\Program Files\.
Путь — C:\Program Files\.
The backslash separates directories.
Use \\ to escape a backslash.
Используйте \\ для экранирования обратного слеша.
The backslash is an escape character.
The regex uses \d for digits.
Регулярное выражение использует \d для цифр.
The backslash has specialized meaning in regex.
Typographic quotation marks and apostrophes should be distinguished from straight quotation marks and apostrophes when consistent typography is required.
For example, curly quotation marks may be used in professionally typeset text, while straight quotes are common in plain text and code.
"Hello," she said.
«Привет», — сказала она.
Curly quotation marks are used in typeset text.
She said, "Hello."
Она сказала: «Привет».
Straight quotation marks are common in plain text.
It's a nice day.
Сегодня хороший день.
The apostrophe in "It's" is distinct from quotation marks.
The word "don't" is a contraction.
Слово «don't» — это сокращение.
Apostrophe and quotation marks serve different functions.
Use straight quotes in code.
Используйте прямые кавычки в коде.
Straight quotes are standard in programming.
The tilde can indicate approximation or special technical relationships, although its use varies considerably by context.
For example, ~5 can mean approximately five in informal technical notation.
~5
~5
The tilde indicates approximation.
The temperature is ~20°C.
Температура ~20°C.
The tilde means approximately.
The file is ~2 MB.
Файл ~2 МБ.
The tilde indicates approximate size.
The value is ~100.
Значение ~100.
The tilde shows an approximate value.
In logic, ~p means not p.
В логике ~p означает не p.
The tilde has a specialized meaning in logic.
The hash or number sign can represent a number, identifier, or hashtag depending on context and regional usage.
For example, #5 can mean number five, while #grammar can be a hashtag.
#5
#5
The hash can mean number five.
#grammar
#grammar
The hash is used for hashtags.
The issue number is #42.
Номер выпуска — #42.
The hash indicates a number.
Use # to mark the channel.
Используйте # для обозначения канала.
The hash has specialized uses.
The code is #FF0000.
Код — #FF0000.
The hash is used in colour codes.
The percent sign represents percent in numerical, statistical, and technical contexts.
For example, 25%.
25%
25%
The percent sign represents percent.
The rate is 5%.
Ставка — 5%.
The percent sign is used with numbers.
Approximately 30% of users agreed.
Примерно 30% пользователей согласились.
The percent sign is common in statistics.
The discount is 10%.
Скидка составляет 10%.
The percent sign is standard in numerical notation.
Interest is charged at 3.5%.
Проценты начисляются по ставке 3,5%.
The percent sign follows the number.
Symbols such as ©, ®, and ™ have specialized legal or commercial meanings and are used according to the relevant convention.
For example, a brand name may be followed by ™ or a work may display ©.
© 2026 Company Name
© 2026 Company Name
The copyright symbol indicates legal protection.
Brand™
Brand™
The trademark symbol indicates a trademark.
Product®
Product®
The registered trademark symbol indicates registration.
The logo is protected by ©.
Логотип защищён ©.
The copyright symbol is used for legal protection.
The name is followed by ™.
Название сопровождается ™.
The trademark symbol is used for branding.
Digital writing often uses punctuation symbols creatively to express tone, emphasis, omission, correction, or emotion.
Examples include ellipses for hesitation, repeated exclamation marks, asterisks for corrections, and slashes for alternatives.
I was going to ... never mind.
Я собирался ... неважно.
The ellipsis shows hesitation in digital writing.
Wow!!!
Вау!!!
Repeated exclamation marks are informal.
I meant Tuesday. *Thursday.
Я имел в виду вторник. *четверг.
The asterisk introduces a correction.
and/or
и/или
The slash indicates alternatives in informal writing.
What???
Что???
Multiple question marks express strong surprise.
Less common punctuation marks should be selected according to the function they perform and the conventions of the relevant genre or technical system.
A slash in a form, an asterisk in a footnote, and an ellipsis in dialogue serve different purposes and should not be treated as interchangeable symbols.
and/or
и/или
The slash is appropriate in forms and informal notes.
See note * below.
Смотрите примечание * ниже.
The asterisk is appropriate for footnotes.
I was going to say ... but I changed my mind.
Я собирался сказать ... но передумал.
The ellipsis indicates a pause in dialogue.
"She [the manager] approved the request."
«Она [менеджер] одобрила запрос».
Square brackets are used for editorial insertions.
R&D
НИОКР
The ampersand is used in established abbreviations.
Use ellipses to indicate omission or trailing off, slashes only where they serve a clear relationship or alternative function, and specialized symbols according to established conventions.
Common mistakes include using four or more dots for an ordinary ellipsis, overusing slashes in formal prose, confusing hyphens with dashes, and using technical symbols without regard to their context.
I was going to say ... but I changed my mind.
Я собирался сказать ... но передумал.
Correct: three dots for an ellipsis.
I was going to say .... but I changed my mind.
Я собирался сказать .... но передумал.
Incorrect: four dots for an ordinary ellipsis.
and/or
и/или
Correct: the slash indicates alternatives.
In formal prose, write "and or" instead of "and/or".
В формальной прозе пишите «и или» вместо «и/или».
Incorrect: overusing slashes in formal prose.
"She [the manager] approved the request."
«Она [менеджер] одобрила запрос».
Correct: square brackets for inserted material.