

If you’d like an expert to check your writing for errors in spelling and grammar, as well as irregular use of italics, our proofreaders are here to help.
FARIEGN WORDUM PROFESSIONAL
Whether you choose to italicize non-English words or not, consistent formatting makes your work look more professional and is easier to read. As a rule of thumb, if the word isn’t in the dictionary and you’re not sure your readers will know what it means, then you should italicize it. For writers without a style guide, the question of when to use italics for foreign words and phrases is largely a matter of choice. If you’re following a style guide, you should check its advice on italicizing non-English words. Summary: Should Foreign Words be Italicized? Also, you should define it the first time you use it if the meaning isn’t clear.

24 Livsnjutare (Swedish) Someone who enjoys life and lives life to the extreme. 23 Yoko meshi (Japanese) The stress of speaking a foreign language. In contrast, the AMA style requires you to use italics for every instance of a word or phrase that doesn’t have a standard use in English. 21 Hygge (Danish) The warm feeling you have when enjoying great company. If you use the same word again, you should write it without italics. For example, APA and Chicago styles specify that you only use italics the first time you use an unfamiliar non-English word or phrase. If you’re using a style guide, it will tell you whether to italicize foreign or unfamiliar words. What do Style Guides Say About Foreign Words? Another unsavoury word for lady parts, it most closely translates to cunt or pussy and it’s one of the strongest words in Irish. Similarly, if a word is in the dictionary but you’re unsure whether your readers will know it, you can italicize it if you’d like. For example, if you’re writing for experienced chefs, you wouldn’t need to italicize words like entremets and fricassé. Nevertheless, even if a word isn’t in the dictionary, you don’t need to italicize it if you’re sure your readers will already know it. Likewise, you don’t need to use italics for proper nouns (e.g., place names) or common Latin abbreviations (e.g., etc.). Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter!Īs a general rule, if a word or phrase has its own entry in the Merriam-Webster dictionary (or the OED for British English), there’s no need to italicize it.
