Writing in italics can add emphasis and style to your messages. There are a few different ways to make text appear in italics depending on the platform you are using. Understanding the options available will allow you to effectively utilize italics to enhance your communication.
Using Asterisks
One simple way to write in italics is by using asterisks (*) around the text you want to italicize. For example:
*This text is in italics.*
The asterisk is used to denote italics in plain text environments like messaging apps, emails, wikis, online forums and documents. When the text is rendered, the asterisks will typically not be displayed and the text in between will appear in italics. This works for single words, sentences or even multiple paragraphs.
Examples
*What time should we meet tomorrow?*
*Let me emphasize this point: Italics can really help make key parts of your message stand out.*
*Here is a longer paragraph example:*
*Italicized text is often used to put emphasis on key points in a message. By slanting the letters, it helps make that text stand out from the regular text. This catches the reader’s eye and draws attention to the italicized words. So if you have an important message, phrase or term you want to stress, putting it in italics is an effective way to do it.*
The surrounding asterisks will italicize everything in between them while leaving the asterisks invisible when formatting is applied.
Using Underscores
As an alternative to asterisks, some platforms allow you to italicize words by putting underscores (_) around the text. For example:
_This text is italicized with underscores._
The underscores function the same way as asterisks to denote text that should be formatted in italics.
Examples
_Let’s meet at 3pm._
_This is a very important point to remember._
_This paragraph is italicized with underscores for emphasis._
The underscores will italicize the text without being displayed around the text after formatting is applied.
Using HTML tags
For digital messaging and documents, you can use HTML markup tags to explicitly italicize text. The tags look like this:
This text is italicized with HTML tags.
The tags simply stand for “emphasis” and will render the text in between them in italics.
Examples
The meeting is at 5 o’clock.
Here is a longer paragraph example:
By using italics generated from HTML tags, you can precisely control which text gets italicized in your message. The start and end tags allow you to target specific words, sentences or even multi-paragraph sections that you want to appear in italics. This gives you more styling options than asterisks or underscores when typing your message.
The text inside the tags will be italicized when rendering the HTML.
Using Markdown Syntax
In Markdown document formatting language, you can generate italics by surrounding text with asterisks or underscores, just like on messaging platforms. However, Markdown requires the asterisks or underscores to be used in pairs around the text you want to italicize.
\*This text is italicized in Markdown.*
_This text is also italicized using Markdown syntax._
Examples
\*Please be at the meeting by 3pm*
_Here is a longer italicized paragraph example:_
\_Italicized text stands out from regular text by slanting the letters. This draws the reader’s eye to the italicized words and signals that they are important. By using Markdown syntax with asterisks or underscores around text, you can easily make key points and phrases appear in italics in your formatted documents and messages.\_
The text inside the paired asterisks or underscores will be italicized in the formatted document.
Using a Chat or Messenger Application
Many chat apps and messaging platforms also provide built-in shortcuts for applying italics to your text.
For example, on **Slack**, you can surround text with asterisks or underscores just like basic plain text formatting. **Microsoft Teams** also uses this approach.
On **WhatsApp**, you can select text and tap the *I* icon to make it italicized.
**Facebook Messenger** allows you to use their quick formatting menu to select text and make it italicized.
**Discord** enables italics by putting asterisks around text, like *this*.
The italicizing syntax may vary slightly on different platforms, so check the options available in the messaging app you are using.
Using Word Processing Tools
When typing a document using a dedicated word processor app or program, there are also built-in tools to quickly make text appear in italics:
– In **Microsoft Word**, you can select text and press Ctrl/Cmd + I on your keyboard to italicize. Or use the “Italics” button in the text formatting toolbar.
– **Google Docs** has a toolbar button to make text italicized or you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl/Cmd + I.
– **Apple Pages** on Mac enables italics through the formatting toolbar button or Cmd + I keyboard shortcut.
– The same options are available in other word processors like **LibreOffice Writer** and **OpenOffice Writer**.
So in summary, refer to your platform’s formatting guides to find the quickest way to italicize text as you write messages and documents. The key options include using asterisks, underscores, HTML tags, Markdown syntax, built-in messenger formatting, or word processor formatting tools. With all these choices available, you can always add useful italics to enhance your written communication.
When to Use Italics
Now that you know how to write in italics, let’s discuss when you should use them in your messages and documents. Some key uses of italicized text include:
Emphasizing key points
Italics help call attention to important words, phrases, or short sentences in your writing. Use them sparingly for maximum effect on your main points.
Introducing a new term
Italicize a term when you first introduce it or use it in an unusual way. For example: *Artificial intelligence* refers to any computer system that displays human-like intelligence.
Identifying foreign words
Italicize foreign words like: She spoke a common *bonjour* as she entered the room.
Setting off titles
Italicize the titles of long creative works: *Romeo and Juliet* is one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays.
Indicating inner thought
Use italics to express a character’s inner thoughts or introduce internal dialogue: *Where could she have gone*, Daniel wondered.
The key is to use italics judiciously so they have the intended effect on your reader. Too many italics can be distracting. Use them to selectively add emphasis at key moments in your text.
How Italics Change the Look and Feel of Text
There are a few key ways using italics alters the visual appearance and feel of the text:
– *Slanted letters* – This is the most obvious change, as the letters will noticeably slant to the right when italicized.
– *Sense of motion* – Because the letters appear slanted, they can give readers a subtle sense of motion or direction within the text.
– *Emphasis* – Slanted text stands out against regular upright text, immediately drawing the reader’s attention and creating emphasis.
– *Distinction* – The slanting makes the text look visibly different from surrounding text, creating clear visual distinction.
– *Fluidity* – Italics add some fluidity and style versus blocky straight letters, so they can enhance the visual flow of the words.
– *Readability* – If overused, the slanting can make longer passages of italic text more difficult to read. But when used sparingly and wisely, italics enhance readability by directing the reader’s eye.
So in moderation, the use of italics adds useful style and emphasis to lift key parts of your message off the page. This creates more dynamic, engaging text for your reader.
Examples of Effective Use of Italics
To better understand how italics are used to enhance writing, let’s look at some full examples:
In Creative Fiction
*The wind howled outside the cottage walls as the first snowflakes began to fall. Mary shivered and hugged her blanket tighter around her shoulders. I sure hope John returns soon, she thought to herself, staring out the frost-covered window. It’s getting dark…and so cold.*
Here the inner thoughts are italicized to separate them from the main narrative text. This uses italics for internal dialogue.
In Non-Fiction
Schmidt and Cohen argue that *artificial general intelligence*, or AGI, is likely decades away from being developed. While narrow AI has made great strides, human-level intelligence remains elusive and scientifically challenging to achieve in machines.
This example italicizes a key term when it’s first introduced to the reader.
In Instructional Text
To start your car on very cold winter days, first press your foot all the way down on the accelerator pedal and hold it there as you turn the key in the ignition. This *floods* the engine with gasoline to aid startup. If the engine still fails to turn over on the first try, repeat this flooding process once more before seeking mechanic assistance. The italics here emphasize an important action word related to the instructions.
In Marketing or Advertising Copy
Fed up with high TV bills? Our HD digital antenna lets you *cut the cord to cable and satellite TV* to access your favorite shows for just a one-time purchase fee. Order now to receive free shipping!
Italicized text like this grabs the reader’s attention on key selling points or phrases you want to highlight.
Tips for Using Italics Effectively
To make the most of italics in your writing, keep these tips in mind:
– Use sparingly. Only italicize the most important words and phrases to maintain maximum impact.
– Keep passages short. Long blocks of italicized text are hard to read.
– Don’t use near bold or ALL CAPS text. Too many fonts can dilute effectiveness.
– Ensure sufficient contrast. Dark italicized text on a light background provides optimal clarity.
– Establish rhythm. Occasional strategic use of italics builds useful rhythm and visual cadence.
– Be consistent. Use italics for similar purposes throughout a long message or document.
With practice and close attention to context, you can develop effective intuition for when and how to leverage italics to boost your messaging.
Summary
Italics provide a versatile way to add emphasis and style to your written communication. By slanting letters with asterisks, underscores, HTML tags, Markdown syntax, chat platform tools, or word processor formatting, you can make key text stand out from regular upright text. Use italics judiciously to accentuate important concepts, foreign terms, titles, inner thoughts, and other key text. Keep italics brief and amidst mostly non-italicized text for optimal clarity and visual effectiveness. With smart italicizing choices, you can engage readers and direct their attention to what matters most in your message.