What is the proper way to write a date containing two days in a row?
I have a presentation that will go from August 4th to the 5th. On my title slide I'd like to list the dates in the most concise and simple way possible. What's the best style?
I currently have:
August 4 and 5, 2011
I could also do:
August 4 & 5, 2011
Is there a "correct" way to write this?
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2 answers
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I never use ampersands in copy unless they're part of a proper company name (e.g., Johnson & Johnson). It just looks lazy to me. I would write it as "August 4–5," because the presentation is taking place on two consecutive days. (Nobody assumes it's a 48-hour presentation.)
I would use "and" if the dates are not contiguous: "The concerts will be held on August 4 and 6."
If you were asking this on Graphic Design SE, you could argue that you could use an ampersand as a design element, or to save room if space is at a premium. But for a slide title? No.
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Either of those is fine ("&" is just another way to write "and") and will be understood. Another formulation you'll sometimes see is "Aug 4-5, 2011", but this is better for things that are continuous, like a convention. I assume your presentation will be in two parts, one on Aug 4 and the other on Aug 5, and that in between you'll be doing other stuff (eating, socializing, sleeping...).
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