On the Plus Side

It seems that people and, especially, brands can't get enough of using the plus symbol to convey there is something more. But do we know the correct way to use this symbol versus writing out "plus"? Test your knowledge.

Select the correctly written words for the blanks in this sentence: Amy gets an ___ for planning an event for ___ that drew ___ people.

1. A-plus, Disney-Plus, 500-plus

2. A+, Disney-Plus, 500-plus

3. A+, Disney+, 500+

4. A-plus, Disney+, 500-plus

And the correct answer is the fourth option, "A-plus, Disney+, 500-plus." The Associated Press recently changed its rule about the use of the plus symbol, allowing it when it's pronounced as part of a company, brand or event name, including companies like "Bausch + Lomb" or "Mizzen+Main," and, especially, streaming services, such as "Paramount+" or "Apple TV+." In other cases in which "plus" is used, though, the word is written out: "B-plus," "200-plus cars," "plus-size clothing" or "looks plus brains."

Now your knowledge about how to use this word and symbol have been changed by plus one. 😉