Editor's Corner

Good morning. It’s quiz day Thursday, but today, I have a different kind of quiz for you. It’s all about typographical symbols—those characters or symbols that are not considered to be punctuation marks but are often used for various purposes in writing. This quiz came to me from Dictionary.com. Are you ready to rumble?

I’ve copied the quiz questions and answer options below. It’s multiple choice, so all you have to do is choose the correct answer. Scroll down to see if you got them right. Good luck!

Don’t be fooled by these typographical symbols: they are not punctuation marks!

1. How is a typographical symbol different from a punctuation mark?

1. Typographical symbols were created more recently than punctuation marks.
2. Typographical symbols usually have no grammatical usage in formal writing.
3. Typographical symbols are only used in relation to computers.

2. Which typographical symbol is used to accent letters in words?

1. tilde
2. ampersand
3. caret

4. pound symbol

3. Which typographical symbol is used to replace the word “and”?

1. tilde
2. ampersand
3. caret
4. pound symbol

4. Which typographical symbol is used when summarizing or highlighting main points:

1. pound symbol
2. bullet points
3. tilde
4. ampersand

5. Which two typographical symbols are commonly used in mathematics?

1. caret, ampersand
2. caret, pipe symbol
3. pound symbol, backslash
4. pipe symbol, backslash

6. Generally an ampersand is flanked by spaces, except…

1. When it is used in a company name
2. When it is in a title
3. When it is in a phrase or incomplete sentence

7. Which symbol can you place next to a word or phrase to signal that more information about it is available?

1. tilde
2. ampersand
3. pipe symbol
4. asterisk

8. Which typographical symbol is commonly used on social media and can also be interchanged with the word “number”?

1. tilde
2. ampersand
3. caret
4. pound symbol

Answers

1. How is a typographical symbol different from a punctuation mark?

b. Typographical symbols usually have no grammatical usage in formal writing.

2. Which typographical symbol is used to accent letters in words?

1. tilde

3. Which typographical symbol is used to replace the word “and”?

2. ampersand

4. Which typographical symbol is used when summarizing or highlighting main points:

2. bullet points

5. Which two typographical symbols are commonly used in mathematics?

2. Caret, pipe symbol

6. Generally an ampersand is flanked by spaces, except…

1. When it is used in a company name

7. Which symbol can you place next to a word or phrase to signal that more information about it is available?

4. asterisk

8. Which typographical symbol is commonly used on social media and can also be interchanged with the word “number”?

4. pound symbol

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Donna Bradley Burcher |Technical Editor, Advisory | jack henry™

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123

Pronouns she/her/hers

About Editor’s Corner

Editor’s Corner keeps your communication skills sharp by providing information on grammar, punctuation, JHA style, and all things English. As editors, we spend our days reading, researching, and revising other people’s writing. We love to spend a few extra minutes to share what we learn with you and keep it fun while we’re doing it.

Did someone forward this email to you? Click here to subscribe.

Don’t want to get Editor’s Corner anymore? Click here to unsubscribe.

Do you have a question or an idea for Editor’s Corner? Send your suggestions or feedback to Kara and <a href="mailto:DBurcher.

NOTICE: This electronic mail message and any files transmitted with it are intended
exclusively for the individual or entity to which it is addressed. The message,
together with any attachment, may contain confidential and/or privileged information.
Any unauthorized review, use, printing, saving, copying, disclosure or distribution
is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please
immediately advise the sender by reply email and delete all copies.