Italics: What It Is and When to Use It - Oxbridge Editing

Italics are a versatile tool in the writer’s arsenal, adding emphasis, clarity, and style to written language. However, their correct usage can often be misunderstood or misapplied. This blog post aims to clarify when and how to use italics in your writing, ensuring that your work is both polished and professional.

Origins of Italics

The term “italic” derives from the Italic typeface, which was first developed in the 15th century by the Italian printer Aldus Manutius. His design aimed to create a more elegant and compact form of writing that would fit more text onto a page, making books more affordable and accessible. The slanted style of italic lettering became popular because it was aesthetically pleasing and helped to distinguish certain words or phrases from the surrounding text.

Over time, italic typefaces have evolved, but the fundamental purpose remains the same: to provide emphasis, clarity, and distinction in written language. Today, italics are an integral part of typography and are widely used in various forms of writing, including academic texts, literature, and digital content.

What Are Italics?

Italics refer to a style of text that is slanted to the right, making it visually distinct from regular (or “roman”) type. This typographical style is not just a matter of aesthetics; it serves specific purposes in written communication. Italics can indicate emphasis, highlight titles of works, or denote foreign words and scientific terms. Understanding the function of italics is essential for effective writing, as it helps convey meaning and enhances readability.

When to Use Italics

Italics are employed in various contexts to add emphasis, clarity, and distinction to specific words or expressions. Let’s explore instances where italicisation is commonly used:

1. Emphasis

One of the primary uses of italics is to emphasise specific words or phrases. When you want to draw attention to a particular part of your text, italics can help convey the importance or significance of that term. For example, consider the following sentence:

• I didn’t say she stole my money; I said she borrowed it.

If you want to highlight the word “borrowed” to clarify your point, italics can enhance its impact:

• I didn’t say she stole my money; I said she borrowed it.

However, it’s important to use this technique sparingly. Overusing italics can diminish their effectiveness and make your writing appear cluttered. When in doubt, consider whether the emphasis is truly necessary.

2. Titles of Works

Italics are commonly used to denote the titles of larger works, such as books, films, television series, and musical albums. This convention helps distinguish these titles from the rest of the text. Here are some examples:

• Books: Pride and Prejudice, The Great Gatsby
• Films: Inception, The Lord of the Rings
• TV Series: Game of Thrones, The Crown
• Albums: Abbey Road, Thriller

In contrast, titles of shorter works like articles, poems, and chapters should be placed in quotation marks instead of italicised. For instance:

• Articles: “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Regions”
• Poems: “The Road Not Taken”
• Chapters: “The Call to Adventure”

This distinction is crucial for maintaining clarity in your writing and ensuring that readers understand what type of work you’re referencing.

3. Foreign Words and Phrases

When writing in English, it’s common to encounter words or phrases from other languages. In these cases, italics can be used to indicate that the term is foreign. This practice is particularly useful for words that do not have an established English equivalent. For example:

• The concept of déjà vu describes the sensation of having experienced something before.
• The Italian phrase la dolce vita translates to “the sweet life.”

However, if a foreign term has become widely accepted in English, it may not require italics. For instance, words like “café” or “fiancé” are often used without italics.

4. Scientific Names and Terminology

In scientific writing, italics are frequently used to denote the Latin names of species, which consist of the genus and species name. For example:

• Homo sapiens (humans)
• Canis lupus (wolves)

Additionally, certain scientific terms, such as variables in mathematical equations or specific units of measurement, may also be italicised. For instance:

• In the equation, let x represent the unknown variable.

Using italics in this context helps to differentiate these terms from standard text, enhancing clarity for readers who may not be familiar with scientific conventions.

5. Legal and Financial Terms

In legal writing, italics are often employed to highlight specific terms or phrases within documents. For instance:

• A plaintiff is the person who brings a case against another in a court of law.

Similarly, in financial writing, italics can be used to emphasise key terms such as “interest rate” or “dividend yield,” helping to clarify important concepts for readers.

6. Thought and Internal Dialogue

When writing fiction, italics can be a useful tool for indicating a character’s internal thoughts or dialogue. This technique allows readers to differentiate between spoken dialogue and a character’s inner reflections. For example:

• She couldn’t believe it. What have I done?

By using italics in this way, you can create a deeper connection between the reader and the character, enhancing the emotional depth of your writing.

7. Indicating Ships and Aircraft

Another common usage of italics is to denote the names of ships, aircraft, and spacecraft. For instance:

• The RMS Titanic tragically sank in 1912.
• NASA’s Apollo 11 was the first mission to land humans on the Moon.

This convention helps distinguish these names from other types of titles and maintains consistency across various forms of writing.

Avoiding Overuse

While italics are a powerful tool for enhancing your writing, it’s essential to use them judiciously. Overusing italics can lead to a cluttered appearance and distract readers from your main message. Here are some tips to avoid overuse:

• Limit the number of italicised words in a single sentence.
• Use italics only when necessary for clarity or emphasis.
• Consider alternative methods for emphasising a point, such as varying sentence structure or word choice.

Enhancing Your Writing with Italics

Understanding when to use italics can greatly enhance your writing, making it clearer and more engaging for your readers. By employing italics appropriately—whether for emphasis, titles, foreign words, scientific names, or internal dialogue—you can ensure your writing is polished and professional. Remember to use this stylistic tool thoughtfully and sparingly, as moderation is key to maintaining clarity and effectiveness in your communication. With these guidelines in mind, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of italics in your writing.

Looking for expert assistance in refining your writing? Our editing services can help ensure your text is polished and effectively formatted. Contact us today to learn more about how we can enhance your written communication.