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The Ditto Mark: Definition, Origin and Examples in English Grammar and Punctuation
Ditto mark or double inverted commas save you a lot of effort and time. There might be numerous times where you have to write a word, phrase or sentence once again (or even twice, thrice and so on) below the first one. It might feel redundant as well as time consuming. Therefore, for such situations, the typographical symbol called as the ‘ditto mark’ was created and typically used in English grammar and punctuation.
[ Related: The Asterisk in English punctuation ]
Few Examples of the Ditto Mark
For example, instead of making your budget bill like this:
- Three packets of Milk ….. $30
- Four packets of Bread ….. $35
- Two packets of Eggs ….. $27
- Three packets of Biscuits ….. $23
You can write it relatively quickly like this:
- Three packets of Milk ….. $30
- Four “ “ Bread ….. $35
- Two “ “ Eggs ….. $27
- Three “ “ Biscuits ….. $23
Definition of the Ditto Mark or Repeat Mark
So, basically, this repeat mark can be defined as:
“The ditto mark consists of two small slightly tilted vertical and parallel dashes, which are used for repeating a phrase written above that sentence which is being written.”
It is also sometimes referred to as ‘double inverted commas’ too.
[ Related: Definition and usage of Ampersand in English language ]
Origin of the The Word “Ditto”
This particular expression came from a language called ‘Tuscan’. It literally means ‘said’. This word was first used in the year 1725. In English, it means ‘similar’ or ‘having same features or characteristics’.
Besides this, the word is extensively used in regular speech. The use of this word implies that the person agrees with the other person’s opinion and holds the same point of view.
For example,
- Speaker 1: “I love waking up late in the morning.”
- Speaker 2: “Ditto!”
Another instance,
- Speaker 1: “I think Jane dresses quite well.”
- Speaker 2: “Ditto!”
Ditto Mark in French Language
Like English, ditto mark is also used in French language. It is called ‘Dito’ (with a single T). It is also known as guillemets. Basic purpose and usage is same i.e. avoiding the repetition of using the same words again and again. If the phrase being repeated is long, you can also place double slash // like this under the repeated words.
Pros of Using the Ditto Mark
Let’s explore the everyday applications of using this character further:
Making a Long List of Events or Chores
Running late but have to making a long list of chores to write down for your own self or your kids or your partner or your maid before you leave the home? Use ditto marks to avoid repeating unnecessary words.
For example,
- Wash dishes
- “ clothes
- Arrange books
- “ attic’s stuff
- “ ironed clothes
- Call maid
- “ mother
- “ boss
Coping up With Fast Speech
Typing down meeting minutes? People speaking too quickly before you can even write their utterances down? Employ ditto marks to save time and to cope up with their speech.
For example,
President:
“We would be ensuring safety of every citizen of this country
“ “ “ “ that every family gets financial aid whenever they need.”
[ Related: All you need to know about Slash/Stroke ]
Thus, the ditto mark is certainly a practical symbol to know of. You may use it in a variety of other ways as well. If you have found some other interesting applications of this mark in your daily life, then make sure to share it with us too! We would love to hear from you.
