Slash vs. Hyphen: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 4, 2023
"Slash" is a punctuation mark (/) often indicating alternatives or fractions, while "Hyphen" is a short line (-) connecting words or separating syllables.
Key Differences
The "Slash" and the "Hyphen" are two distinct punctuation marks with different functions and appearances. A "Slash," also known as a forward slash or virgule, resembles a diagonal line that runs from bottom left to top right. The "Hyphen," on the other hand, is a short horizontal line.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
"Slash" serves various purposes in writing. It can denote alternatives as in "and/or", fractions like ½, or represent line breaks when quoting poetry in prose. "Hyphen" primarily joins words or parts of words, such as in compound terms like "mother-in-law" or "well-known."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
In web addresses and computer commands, the "Slash" plays a significant role, marking divisions and indicating paths. For instance, "www.example.com/about/" uses slashes. "Hyphen" does not have this digital function but is often employed in written text to avoid ambiguity, as in "re-sign" (sign again) versus "resign" (quit).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Despite their different applications, both "Slash" and "Hyphen" contribute to clarity in text. However, it's crucial to avoid interchangeably using them. For instance, "pro-choice" with a hyphen indicates a stance on a topic, while "pro/choice" with a slash suggests alternatives.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Function
Indicates alternatives, fractions, or line breaks.
Connects words or parts of words.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Usage
Common in web addresses and computer commands.
Used in compound terms or to avoid ambiguity.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Common Errors
Mistakenly used for a backslash () in some contexts.
Confused with dashes (–, —).
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Slash and Hyphen Definitions
Slash
A punctuation mark indicating alternatives.
Please choose the right color/type for your design.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
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Slash
Symbolizes line breaks in quoted poetry.
To be or not to be:/That is the question.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Hyphen
Forms compound adjectives before nouns.
She has a three-year-old daughter.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
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Slash
To cut or form by cutting with forceful sweeping strokes
Slash a path through the underbrush.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Hyphen
A punctuation mark ( - ) used between the parts of a compound word or name or between the syllables of a word, especially when divided at the end of a line of text.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
To cut a slit or slits in, especially so as to reveal an underlying color
Slash a sleeve.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Hyphen
The symbol "‐", typically used to join two or more words to form a compound term, or to indicate that a word has been split at the end of a line.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
(Sports) To swing a stick at (an opponent) in ice hockey or lacrosse, in violation of the rules.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
(Sports) To hit or propel (a ball, for instance) forcefully in a straight line.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Hyphen
Someone who belongs to a marginalized subgroup, and can therefore described by a hyphenated term, such as "German-American", "female-academic", etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Hyphen
Used to emphasize the coordinating function usually indicated by the punctuation "-".
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Hyphen
A mark or short dash, thus [-], placed at the end of a line which terminates with a syllable of a word, the remainder of which is carried to the next line; or between the parts of many a compound word; as in fine-leaved, clear-headed. It is also sometimes used to separate the syllables of words.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Hyphen
To connect with, or separate by, a hyphen, as two words or the parts of a word.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Hyphen
A punctuation mark (-) used between parts of a compound word or between the syllables of a word when the word is divided at the end of a line of text
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
A diagonal mark ( / ) that is used especially to separate alternatives, as in and/or, to represent the word per, as in miles/hour, to separate component parts of a URL, as in whitehouse.gov/kids/patriotism/, and to indicate the ends of verse lines printed continuously, as in Old King Cole / Was a merry old soul. Also called virgule.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
Branches and other residue left on a forest floor after the cutting of timber.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
A genre of fanfic depicting romantic relationships between characters, usually of the same sex, that are not romantically connected in the original work or works upon which the fanfic is based.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
As well as; and. Used as a representation of the virgule (as in restaurant/art gallery or actor/director), often styled with hyphens in print
A restaurant slash art gallery.
An actor-slash-director.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
A swift, broad, cutting stroke made by an edged weapon or whip.
A slash of his blade just missed my ear.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
A hard swift lateral strike with a hockey or lacrosse stick, usually across another player's arms or legs.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
Any similar wide striking motion.
He took a wild slash at the ball but the captain saved the team's skin by hacking it clear and setting up the team for a strike on the goal.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
(figuratively) A sharp reduction.
After the war ended, the army saw a 50% slash in their operating budget.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
A cut or laceration, often deep, made by an edged weapon or whip.
He was bleeding from a slash across his cheek.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
(fashion) A slit in an outer garment exposing a lining or inner garment, usually of a contrasting color or design; any intentional long vertical cut in a garment. Clearing
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
A clearing in a forest, (particularly) those made by logging, fire, or other violent action.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
The slash mark: the punctuation mark ⟨/⟩, sometimes inclusive of any mark produced by a similar slashing movement of the pen, as the backslash ⟨\⟩.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
The loose woody debris remaining from a slash, the trimmings left while preparing felled trees for removal.
Slash generated during logging may constitute a fire hazard.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
(UK) slatch: a deep trough of finely-fractured culm or a circular or elliptical pocket of coal.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
To cut with a swift broad stroke of an edged weapon.
They slashed at him with their swords, but only managed to nick one of his fingers.
She hacked and slashed her way across the jungle.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
(ice hockey) To strike swiftly and laterally with a hockey stick, usually across another player's arms or legs.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
(figuratively) To reduce sharply.
Competition forced them to slash prices.
Profits are only up right now because they slashed overhead, but employee morale and product quality have collapsed too.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
To clear land, with violent action such as logging or brushfires or through grazing.
The province's traditional slash-and-burn agriculture was only sustainable with a much smaller population.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
(North America) Used to list alternatives.
Alternatives can be marked by the slash/stroke/solidus punctuation mark, a tall, right-slanting oblique line.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
To strike violently and at random, esp. with an edged instrument; to lay about one indiscriminately with blows; to cut hastily and carelessly.
Hewing and slashing at their idle shades.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
A large slit in the material of any garment, made to show the lining through the openings.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
A opening or gap in a forest made by wind, fire, or other destructive agency.
We passed over the shoulder of a ridge and around the edge of a fire slash, and then we had the mountain fairly before us.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
An open tract of land in a forest that is strewn with debris from logging (or fire or wind)
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
Beat severely with a whip or rod;
The teacher often flogged the students
The children were severely trounced
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
Move or stir about violently;
The feverish patient thrashed around in his bed
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 21, 2023
Slash
Used in web addresses or computer paths.
Visit our website at http://www.example.com/about/.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
FAQs
Can "Slash" and "Hyphen" be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different purposes in writing.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
What is a "Slash"?
A "Slash" is a punctuation mark (/) indicating alternatives, fractions, or used in web addresses.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Slash" used in URLs?
Yes, slashes are common in web addresses like "www.example.com/about/".
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
What is a "Hyphen"?
A "Hyphen" is a short line (-) used to connect words or parts of words.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Why use a "Hyphen" in writing?
Hyphens join words, form compound terms, and can avoid ambiguity.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
When should I use a "Hyphen"?
Use hyphens in compound words, to connect prefixes, or to avoid confusion.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Hyphen" separate syllables?
Yes, hyphens can be used to separate syllables in a word.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
What's the difference between "Hyphen" and "Dash"?
While both connect, a "Hyphen" is shorter (-) and a "Dash" is longer (– or —).
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
Are "Slash" and "Virgule" the same?
Yes, "virgule" is another term for "Slash."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
How does "Hyphen" work with compound adjectives?
A "Hyphen" joins words in compound adjectives before nouns, e.g., "well-known actor."
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Can "Slash" indicate a range?
Yes, like "Monday/Friday" to indicate a range from Monday to Friday.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
When shouldn't I use a "Hyphen"?
Don't use a hyphen when the compound modifier comes after the noun it modifies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Is a "backslash" the same as a "Slash"?
No, a "Slash" is forward (/) while a "backslash" is backward ().
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Can I use "Slash" for "and"?
Yes, a "Slash" can denote alternatives like "and/or."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Why might a word have a "Hyphen"?
To connect parts, indicate a break, or clarify pronunciation.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
Does "Slash" have other names?
Yes, "Slash" can also be called a forward slash or virgule.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Are slashes used in dates?
Yes, slashes can separate day, month, and year, like 10/05/2023.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023
Is "Slash" common in computer commands?
Yes, slashes often appear in computer paths and commands.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
How is "Slash" used in poetry?
A "Slash" can represent line breaks when quoting poetry in prose.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023
Should I hyphenate "email"?
Modern usage typically writes "email" without a hyphen.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
