Spacing with an oblique

Question:

What are the rules for spacing with an oblique?

Answer:

According to The Canadian Style, there is no space before or after an oblique (or slash) when used between individual words, letters or symbols:

• discovers/finds
• N/A
• km/hr

However, you should leave one space before and after an oblique when used between longer groups of words that contain internal spacing:

• Language and Society / Langue et société
• electrical engineer / mechanical engineer

It is important to ensure that spacing with an oblique is consistent throughout your text. For example, in a bilingual document, where English and French terms are separated by an oblique, put a space before and after the oblique throughout the text to avoid inconsistencies, such as surname/nom next to first name / prénom.