Ampersand (&) vs. And
The ampersand is the character “&”; the word “and” is ordinary conjunction text. Microsoft house style generally prefers “and” in prose and headings except where an ampersand belongs to a name, interface label, or technical expression, illustrating that the choice is contextual rather than universal.
Use “and” in ordinary prose unless a name, interface, technical expression, or governing house style specifically calls for “&”.
Key details
Important caveats
Style Boundary
Do not treat one organization’s ampersand preference as a universal grammar rule.
Further guidance
Character Difference
Unicode identifies AMPERSAND as U+0026.
Example
Prose: “Research and development costs increased.” Name: preserve the ampersand in an official name such as “Smith & Jones” if that is how the organization styles itself.
Practical Application
Use “and” in ordinary sentences and most prose. Keep “&” when it is part of an official name, interface label, technical expression, or a house style that specifically calls for the symbol.
Reader Check
Ask whether the ampersand belongs to the actual name or syntax. If not, ordinary prose usually reads more naturally with the word “and.”
Use
In ordinary prose, many style systems prefer the word “and”; ampersands remain appropriate where a proper name, UI string, or technical syntax requires them.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Basic Latin — Unicode Names List (opens in a new tab)Unicode Consortium · Unicode character identities for quotation mark, apostrophe, ampersand, solidus, and vertical line
- Ampersand — Microsoft Writing Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Learn · Microsoft house-style guidance on using ampersand versus the word and