Unit 10.1

Symbols

Introduction

A symbol is a figure that represents an entity.

Form

We distinguish between: alphanumeric symbols and non-alphanumeric symbols.

  • Alphanumeric symbols: Using letters and numbers.
    GBP, USD, CAD, N, S, W, E
  • Non-alphanumeric symbols: Using other characters such as exclamation or question marks, the at symbol or the equal symbol.
    £, $, @, #, /

Example

  • Currency
    • GBP – The Pound sterling
    • USD – The United States dollar
    • CAD – The Canadian dollar
  • Points of the compass
    • N – north
    • S – south
    • E – east
    • W – west
  • Elements in the  keyboard
    • @ – at
    • # – hash
    • / – slash

Use

We use symbols to indicate:

  • Currency
  • Points of the compass
  • Elements appearing in the keyboard of the computer. They are apparent in websites, e-mail addresses and links.

Related

In English, besides Symbols, we have The Slash, Question mark, Exclamation mark, Comma, Colon and Semicolon.

Exercises

External link to Symbols exercises (1176).




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