The ampersand (&) is best used when it is part of an official name, a title, or a fixed abbreviation; in normal formal writing, spell out and instead. It’s also common in informal notes, space-limited text, and some style-guide- specific citations, especially in edited prose and brand names.

When to use it

  • Use it in company or brand names that officially include it, such as names that are written that way by the business.
  • Use it in fixed abbreviations like R&D or Q&A.
  • Use it in APA parenthetical citations and references with multiple authors, where that style calls for it.
  • Use it in titles of works when the official title includes it, subject to the style guide.

When to avoid it

  • Avoid it in formal prose, essays, reports, and business writing unless the name or style guide requires it.
  • Avoid using it just to sound stylish or to shorten ordinary sentences in professional writing.
  • If a sentence can be written clearly with and , that is usually the safer choice in standard writing.

Quick rule

If the ampersand is part of an official name or a standard abbreviation, use it; otherwise, write and.