In this edition of the Writing Amazing Recipes series, we are going to focus on how to use symbols in your recipe writing.
Using symbols in your recipes can be tricky, especially when working with symbols that are rarely used outside recipe writing. Do not let yourself be intimidated. Symbols are amazing tools that can help your readers understand instructions at a quick glance.
Use this brief guide to build your confidence in using symbols and bring a professional touch to your recipes.
Percentages
Writing percentages seems pretty straightforward, but several questions tend to plague authors.
Should you use the percent symbol or spell out the word?
Should numbers be spelled out or expressed as digits?
Should there be a space between a digit and the percent symbol?
And what about hyphenation?
Whether or not to use the percent symbol is ultimately a style decision. If you are not working with a style guide, you can choose what works best for your cookbook. The most important thing is to remain consistent.
For example, if you have decided to use the percent symbol in your ingredient lists but spell out the word in your method sections and headnotes, be sure to apply this rule throughout your cookbook.
Rules of Thumb for Using the Percentage Symbol
Do not spell out numbers in percentages. Always use a digit.
There should be no space between the digit and the percent symbol.
Do not hyphenate when spelling out the word instead of using the percent symbol.
Dimensions
When writing dimensions, do not use the letter “x” to represent the word “by.” Dimensions should be expressed with the multiplication symbol.
Be sure to include a space between the multiplication symbol and the numbers.
Examples of Writing Dimensions
11- × 7-inch baking dish
28 × 18 cm baking dish
Keyboard Shortcut for the Multiplication Symbol
The multiplication symbol can be inserted in Word on a PC by typing 00D7 followed immediately by (Alt) + (X).
Degrees
When using the degree symbol to express temperatures, there should be no space between the symbol and the number.
There is generally no space between the degree symbol and the letter indicating the temperature scale.
Keyboard Shortcut for the Degree Symbol
Degree symbols can be inserted in Word on a PC by using the shortcut: (Alt) + (0176). Use the number keys on the numeric keypad and be sure that Num Lock is off.
En Dash
Often confused for a hyphen, the en dash is used to clarify complex compound adjectives. and express number ranges. In number ranges, en dashes can be used interchangeably with the word “to”.
En dash usage is often a style decision. Be sure to remain consistent throughout your project.
Number Ranges
En dashes can be used to express ranges of measures, time, and pages. Avoid using en dashes next to a fraction.
Compound Adjectives (Hyphenated)
If a compound adjective contains hyphenated words, the en dash can help to clarify the compound.
Compound Adjectives (2+ Words)
When one part of a compound adjective consists of two words or more words, use an en dash.
Keyboard Shortcut for the En Dash
En dashes can be inserted in Word on a PC by using the shortcut: (Ctrl) + (-). Use the (-) key on the numeric keypad and be sure that Num Lock is off.
Ampersand
While ampersands should be avoided in text, their use in recipe titles is ultimately a style decision.
The most important thing to remember is to stay true to your project.
Use Symbols in Your Recipes
Now that you have a good understanding of how to use symbols in your recipe writing, do not hesitate to use your knowledge.
You’ve got this!
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