AND THEN...

A large ampersand light with glowing bulbs inside

When (and When Not) to Use the Ampersand

The ampersand. It's curly, stylish, and charming in its own right. But despite its visual appeal, the humble & doesn't always belong in your writing.

Let's explore its fascinating history, uncover why it's best avoided in most contexts, and examine when it actually does have a rightful place.

A Brief (& Nerdy) History

I'm a big fan of etymology, I love discovering where words originated and how the current version of words came about. While the humble ampersand isn't a word in its own right, it was once considered the 27th letter of the alphabet. The symbol itself (at least a version of it) has been around since Roman times, but its name is far younger. Children in the 1800s reciting the alphabet only knew the ampersand as the word 'and'. When they would recite the alphabet, any letter considered a word in its own right (A, I, O and &) would be spoken as:

“A per se A”, meaning “A by itself A”. When they reached &, they would recite:

“And per se and”.

Over time and with different dialects, when saying that quickly enough, you get “ampersand.”

A lot of the words we use in the English language today come from similar tales, where fast repetition, slurring, or the dropping of vowels or sounds, creates an entirely new word.

You probably didn't come here for a boring history lesson, so let's take a look at why the ampersand isn't a substitute for 'and' in all situations.

Why the Ampersand Should Often Stay on the Shelf

It's tempting to swap 'and' for '&'. After all, it's shorter, looks sleek, and adds a little flair. As with every language, there are rules and guidelines to follow, and the ampersand is no different. The basic rule of thumb when writing a story is to avoid using it except for in specific scenarios (which is covered further down).

Here's why you should think twice before inserting our curly friend:

Unprofessional in Formal Writing

Using & in formal writing, such as business reports, emails, or academic essays looks lazy and informal. Stick to 'and' in anything meant to be taken seriously.

Not Accessible

Screen readers may misinterpret the ampersand unless it's properly coded. It also poses challenges for readers with cognitive or visual impairments. 'And' is universally clearer and smoother to read, especially for those whose language doesn't have its roots in Latin.

Visually Distracting

Ampersands rise above surrounding letters, pulling the eye and disrupting the reader's flow. Why emphasise one of the least important words in your writing?

Bad for URLs and Search

Never use ampersands in web addresses. Browsers don't like them, and neither do search engines.

When You Can Use an Ampersand

Okay, so there are situations where & is not only allowed—it's expected. Here's your cheat sheet:

In Brand or Company Names

Use the ampersand if it's part of the official brand or name:

Ben & Jerry's
Procter & Gamble
Marks & Spencer (though its legal name is “Marks and Spencer plc”, the & is part of the branding)

Book or Film Titles (Sometimes)

If the original title uses &, you can include it—but beware of searchability issues. Use editorial judgment, especially if accessibility or search engine optimisation matters.

Set Phrases or Abbreviations

For things like:

B&B (bed and breakfast)
R&B (rhythm and blues)
PB&J (peanut butter and jelly)

The ampersand is non-negotiable as these phrases are heavily rooted in the English language.

When in Doubt, Spell It Out

To summarise, avoid ampersands in:

Formal writing
Body text of books
URLs
Web copy where accessibility is critical
Any situation where clarity and readability take priority

And Then?

Use the ampersand thoughtfully. Not as a decorative flourish. Not just because you're short on space. But because it serves a clear purpose for your audience.

Ask yourself:

Will my reader understand it?
Does it interrupt flow or clarity?
Would 'and' serve the message better?

When in doubt, choose 'and'. Your writing—and your readers—will thank you.

& remember—clarity always comes first.