The ampersand (&) is sometimes used in place of the word and in informal writing, like in lists and brand or company names (Johnson & Johnson, AT&T, Barnes & Noble, etc.). Where you don’t generally see ampersands in the place of the word and is in formal writing, like books. So when is it appropriate to use an ampersand, and when should you spell out and? Read on to find out!

When to use an ampersand

The Chicago Manual of Style states that “ampersands are appropriate in notes, bibliographies, tabular matter, and the like” (10.29). They also recommend leaving ampersands in place when writing out company names or brand names with ampersands. Grammarly writes that ampersands can be used in informal writing, like lists, or in advertising, like on billboards or other areas to save space.

The ampersand can be used in listed items that use the word and, such as menu items: ham & cheese, bagel & cream cheese, sausage & egg, especially if the word and is used in between each item. 

Ampersands can always be used in personal writing, such as grocery lists. They can also always be used in text messages, as that is considered informal writing.

When not to use an ampersand

In formal writing, such as academic papers and manuscripts, and should be spelled out in all instances except for brand or company names that use ampersands.

No matter what you are writing, the ampersand should never be used with the Oxford, or serial, comma, as it looks clunky. 
The ampersand is a shortcut for the word and, and while it has lots of uses, there are plenty of times it should not be used. We hope you learned some grammar tips from this post!

Written by Elliot Bailey.