What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
punctuator
Example
The comma is a common punctuator used to separate items in a list. [punctuator: noun]
Example
She forgot to use the punctuator at the end of her sentence. [punctuator: noun]
symbol
Example
The heart symbol is often used to represent love or affection. [symbol: noun]
Example
The plus sign is a symbol used in math to indicate addition. [symbol: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Punctuator is less commonly used than symbol in everyday language. Punctuators are essential components of written communication, but they are used less frequently than symbols, which can be used in various forms of communication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between punctuator and symbol?
Punctuator is typically associated with a formal tone, as it is primarily used in written language to convey grammatical meaning and clarity. Symbol is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
