What are the rules when I use italics in writing?

Question

Hi, I am using a typing program. How do I knew when I need to use italics when I am typing? Can someone tell me the rules of using italics?

Answer 1

Different style guides have different recommendations for italics. Here's my recommendation for using italics:

1. Foreign words and phrases, such as c'est la vie and mozeltov.

2. Someone's thoughts. Here's an example:

Susan screamed, "Stop!" John thought, "Now what does she want?" John's thoughts should be in italics.

3. Anytime you want to emphasize a word. For example:

John didn't just want a big burger, he wanted a *really* big burger. The word "really" should be in italics.

Those are the only good uses for italics that come to mind.