Learn About Various Symbols in English

Symbols are an important part of written and printed communication. They help us convey complex ideas, perform mathematical operations, create structure in text, and express emotions.

From the punctuation marks that end our sentences to the symbols that denote operations in mathematics, understanding these symbols is crucial for mastering the English language.

Various Symbols in English

In this article, we will explore various symbols used in English, including their meanings, applications, and examples.

Each symbol has its unique usage and context, and learning how to use them correctly will enhance your communication skills. Let’s dive into the world of symbols and discover how they help us articulate our thoughts and ideas effectively.

Plus (+)

The plus sign is used in mathematics to indicate addition, where two or more numbers are combined to form a larger number. It can also denote a positive value or increment in various contexts.

Pronunciations: plʌs

Examples:

• Arithmetic: 2 + 3 = 5
• Temperature: The temperature is +10 degrees Celsius.
• Text: The benefits of this project are cost-saving + time efficiency.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Use Character Map (Start Menu > Accessories > System Tools > Character Map) or Alt code (Alt + 43).
• Mac: Use Character Viewer (Command + Control + Space) or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Use Character Map or configure shortcut keys.
• HTML/Web: Use + entity.

Minus (-)

The minus sign is used to indicate subtraction, where one number is taken away from another. It also denotes negative values and can represent a decrement.

Pronunciations: [ˈmaɪnəs]

Examples:

• Arithmetic: 5 – 2 = 3
• Temperature: The temperature is -5 degrees Celsius.
• Text: The cons of this plan include high cost – lack of resources.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or Alt code (Alt + 45).
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Character Map or shortcut keys.
• HTML/Web: Use − entity.

Dot / Point (.)

The dot, or period, is a punctuation mark used to signify the end of a declarative sentence. It is also used in decimal numbers, abbreviations, and web addresses.

Pronunciations: [dɒt] or [pɔɪnt]

Examples:

• End of sentence: She went to the store.
• Decimal numbers: The value of pi is approximately 3.14.
• Web addresses: Visit us at https://beexpensive.in/.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or Alt code (Alt + 46).
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Character Map or shortcut keys.
• HTML/Web: Use . entity.

Percent (%)

The percent sign is used to denote a percentage, representing a fraction of 100. It is commonly used in statistics, finance, and sales.

Pronunciations: [pərˈsɛnt]

Examples:

• Discounts: The store is offering a 20% discount on all items.
• Statistics: 50% of the participants agreed with the statement.
• Finance: The interest rate on the loan is 5%.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or Alt code (Alt + 46).
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Character Map or shortcut keys.
• HTML/Web: Use . entity.

Equals (=)

The equals sign is used to indicate equality between two expressions. In mathematics, it shows that the values on either side are the same.

Pronunciations: [ˈiːkwəlz]

Examples:

• Arithmetic: 3 + 2 = 5
• Formulas: The formula for area is A = l × w.
• Programming: In code, x = 10 assigns the value 10 to the variable x.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or Alt code (Alt + 61).
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Character Map or shortcut keys.
• HTML/Web: Use = entity.

Multiply (×)

The multiplication sign indicates the product of two numbers. It is used in arithmetic and algebra to multiply values.

Pronunciations: [ˈmʌltɪplaɪ]

Examples:

• Arithmetic: 4 × 3 = 12
• Measurement: The room is 5 meters × 4 meters.
• Scaling: Increase the recipe by a factor of 2×.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or Alt code (Alt + 0215).
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Character Map or shortcut keys.
• HTML/Web: Use × entity.

Divide by (÷)

The division sign represents the division of one number by another. It is used in arithmetic to split quantities into equal parts.

Pronunciations: [dɪˈvaɪd baɪ]

Examples:

• Arithmetic: 10 ÷ 2 = 5
• Sharing: Divide the cake into 8 equal slices.
• Proportions: The ratio is expressed as 9 ÷ 3.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or Alt code (Alt + 0247).
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Character Map or shortcut keys.
• HTML/Web: Use ÷ entity.

Question Mark (?)

The question mark is used at the end of a sentence to indicate a direct question. It can also be used within a sentence to express doubt or uncertainty.

Pronunciations: [ˈkwɛstʃən mɑːrk]

Examples:

• Direct question: What is your name?
• Uncertainty: He said he would arrive by 6 pm, but will he?
• Embedded question: I wonder if she will come?

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use ? entity.

Hashtag (#)

The hashtag, also known as the pound sign, is widely used on social media platforms to tag keywords or topics. It can also indicate numbers.

Pronunciations: [ˈhæʃtæɡ]

Examples:

• Social media: #LearningEnglish is trending.
• Number: Apartment #23 is on the second floor.
• Programming: #include <stdio.h> is a directive in C programming.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use # entity.

Forward Slash / Or (/)

The forward slash is used to separate alternatives, denote fractions, or indicate division. It is also common in web addresses and file paths.

Pronunciations: [ˈfɔːwəd slæʃ] or [ɔːr]

Examples:

• Alternatives: The event is scheduled for Monday/Tuesday.
• Fractions: The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of sugar.
• Web addresses: Access the site at https://beexpensive.in/.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use / entity.

Brackets ([ ])

Brackets, or square brackets, are used to include explanatory or additional information within a sentence. They are also used in mathematical expressions and programming.

Pronunciations: [ˈbrækɪts]

Examples:

• Clarification: The results were significant [see Table 2].
• Mathematics: In the expression [2(x + 3)], solve inside the brackets first.
• Programming: In an array, a[0] refers to the first element.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use [ and ].

Parentheses ( ( ) )

Parentheses, or round brackets, are used to enclose additional information, an aside, or to indicate grouping in mathematics.

Pronunciations: [pəˈrɛnθəsiːz]

Examples:

• Additional information: He finally answered (after taking five minutes to think).
• Mathematics: Solve (3 + 2) × 4 first.
• Text: The president (who was elected last year) gave a speech.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use ( and ).

Comma (,)

The comma is used to separate parts of a sentence, items in a list, or clauses. It helps in clarifying meaning and improving readability.

Pronunciations: [ˈkɒmə]

Examples:

• List: She bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
• Clause separation: When it rains, it pours.
• Direct address: Yes, sir, I understand.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use , directly.

Colon (:)

The colon introduces lists, explanations, or quotations. It can also be used in ratios and time expressions.

Pronunciations: [ˈkəʊlən]

Examples:

• List introduction: Bring the following items: a pen, a notebook, and a calculator.
• Explanation: He had one goal: to win.
• Time: The train departs at 5:30 PM.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use : directly.

Semi-colon (;)

The semi-colon links closely related independent clauses or separates items in a complex list.

Pronunciations: [ˈsɛmɪkəʊlən]

Examples:

• Clause linking: I went to the store; I bought milk.
• Complex list: The conference has attendees from Paris, France; Tokyo, Japan; and New York, USA.
• Avoiding comma splice: The weather was cold; however, we still went out.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use ; directly.

Hyphen / Dash (-)

The hyphen joins words or parts of words, while the dash (—) is used to indicate a range, pause, or break in thought.

Pronunciations: [ˈhaɪfən] or [dæʃ]

Examples:

• Hyphen: Well-known, mother-in-law, re-enter
• Dash: The meeting is scheduled for 3:00–4:00 PM.
• Pause: She was going to explain—if she had time.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use - directly.

At Sign (@)

The at sign is primarily used in email addresses and to mention users on social media platforms.

Pronunciations: [æt saɪn]

Examples:

• Email: Contact us at info@beexpensive.com.
• Social media: Follow us on Twitter @Example.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use @ entity.

Quotation Marks (” “)

Quotation marks are used to indicate direct speech, quotations, or titles of short works. Single quotation marks (‘ ’) can be used for quotes within quotes.

Pronunciations: [kwəʊˈteɪʃən mɑːrks]

Examples:

• Direct speech: He said, “Good morning.”
• Titles: “The Road Not Taken” is a famous poem.
• Quotes within quotes: She replied, “I heard him say ‘Hello.’”

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use " entity.

Underscore (_)

The underscore is often used in email addresses, usernames, and to indicate spaces in file names.

Pronunciations: [ˈʌndəskɔː]

Examples:

• Email: beexpensiveindia@gmail.com
• Usernames: user_name123
• File names: project_report_2024.pdf

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use _ entity.

And Sign (&)

The and sign, or ampersand, is used to represent the word “and” in text and titles. It is common in company names and formal documents.

Pronunciations: [ænd saɪn]

Examples:

• Text: Rock & Roll
• Company names: Johnson & Johnson
• Titles: War & Peace

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use & entity.

Asterisk (*)

The asterisk is used to indicate a footnote, multiplication, or to highlight important information.

Pronunciations: [ˈæstərɪsk]

Examples:

• Footnote: Terms* (see below for details).
• Multiplication: In programming, 5 * 2 equals 10.
• Highlighting: Important notice: The meeting has been rescheduled.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or Alt code (Alt + 42).
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Character Map or shortcut keys.
• HTML/Web: Use * entity.

Braces ({ })

Braces, or curly brackets, are used in mathematics, programming, and to group items together.

Pronunciations: [breɪsɪz]

Examples:

• Mathematics: Set notation {a, b, c}
• Programming: In code, if (condition) { execute this code }
• Grouping: The team members {John, Jane, and Joe} attended the meeting.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use { and }.

Pipe (|)

The pipe, or vertical bar, is used in programming, command lines, and to separate alternatives in text.

Pronunciations: [paɪp]

Examples:

• Programming: In shell commands, ls | grep “txt” lists text files.
• Text: Select your role: User | Admin | Guest
• Command lines: The output of one command can be piped into another.

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use | entity.

Exclamation Mark (!)

The exclamation mark is used to express strong emotion, surprise, or a command. It emphasizes the tone of the sentence.

Pronunciations: [ˌɛkskləˈmeɪʃən mɑːrk]

Examples:

• Emotion: Wow! That’s amazing!
• Command: Stop!
• Surprise: What a beautiful day!

How to Add this:

• Windows: Character Map or directly available on keyboard.
• Mac: Character Viewer or Keyboard Viewer.
• Linux: Directly available on keyboard.
• HTML/Web: Use ! entity.

Other Important Symbols, Uses and Pronunciations

Symbol & Name	Pronunciation & Use
$ : Dollar sign	Pronunciation: [ˈdɒlə saɪn]
	Use: Use to denote currency or money in writing or programming.
€ : Euro sign	Pronunciation: [ˈjʊəroʊ saɪn]
	Use: Use for Euro currency.
£ : Pound sign	Pronunciation: [paʊnd saɪn]
	Use: Use for Pound currency.
¥ : Yen sign	Pronunciation: [jɛn saɪn]
	Use: Use for Yen currency.
^ : Caret	Pronunciation: [ˈkærɪt]
	Use: Use for exponentiation or XOR operations.
~ : Tilde	Pronunciation: [ˈtɪld]
	Use: Use for bitwise negation or approximation.
` : Backtick	Pronunciation: [ˈbæk tɪk]
	Use: Use for command execution or quoting.
<> : Angle brackets	Pronunciation: [ˈæŋɡəl ˈbrækɪts]
	Use: Use in programming for generic types or markup.
∞ : Infinity	Pronunciation: [ˈɪnfɪnɪti]
	Use: Use in mathematics or to represent limitless.
© : Copyright	Pronunciation: [ˈkɒpiˌraɪt]
	Use: Use to denote copyright ownership.
® : Registered trademark	Pronunciation: [ˌrɛdʒɪstəd ˈtreɪdmɑːrk]
	Use: Use to denote registered trademarks.
™ : Trademark	Pronunciation: [ˈtreɪdmɑːrk]
	Use: Use to denote trademarks.

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