In the fast-paced world of digital communication, emails play a crucial role in conveying information, updates, and professional correspondence. Gmail, one of the most widely used email platforms, offers various formatting options to enhance the clarity and impact of your messages. Among these formatting tools, the strikethrough feature can be particularly useful in emphasizing changes, corrections, or discontinued items. In this article, we’ll delve into the art of integrating strikethrough formatting in Gmail to elevate the effectiveness of your email communication.
Understanding Strikethrough Formatting
What is Strikethrough?
Strikethrough is a text formatting style that involves drawing a horizontal line through the center of a text, indicating that the information is no longer valid or relevant. This formatting feature is commonly used to show edits, updates, or crossed-out content in emails.
Why Use Strikethrough?
Integrating strikethrough in your Gmail emails can serve various purposes:
- Highlighting Changes: Strikethrough can be used to draw attention to modifications or corrections made to the original content.
- Noting Discontinuations: When certain items or information become obsolete, strikethrough helps convey that they are no longer applicable.
- Showing Alternatives: Strikethrough can be employed to present alternatives or multiple options, with the crossed-out text indicating the initially considered choice.
Enabling Strikethrough in Gmail
Gmail makes it easy to incorporate strikethrough formatting into your emails. Follow these simple steps:
Compose a New Email
Start by opening Gmail and clicking on the “Compose” button to create a new email.
Type Your Message
Enter the text you want to include in your email, providing all the necessary details.
Highlight the Text
To apply strikethrough formatting, highlight the specific text you want to modify.
Access the Formatting Options
Look for the formatting options toolbar, usually located at the bottom of the email composition window. It typically includes icons for bold, italic, and underline.
Locate the Strikethrough Icon
Identify the strikethrough icon, which resembles a capital letter ‘S’ with a horizontal line through it. Click on this icon.
Review the Changes
Once you click the strikethrough icon, observe the text in your email. The selected portion should now be formatted with a strikethrough line.
Send Your Email
After applying the strikethrough formatting, review your email to ensure all changes are accurately represented. Once satisfied, click “Send” to dispatch your message.
Also Read – How To Write A Follow Up Email
Tips for Effective Use of Strikethrough in Gmail
Use Consistently
Maintain consistency in your use of strikethrough formatting. If you choose to use it for corrections, apply it uniformly throughout your email to avoid confusion.
Combine with Explanatory Text
When using strikethrough, consider adding a brief note or explanation nearby to provide context for the crossed-out content. This helps recipients understand the reason for the modification.
Avoid Overuse
While strikethrough can be a powerful tool, refrain from overusing it. Too much crossed-out text may create a cluttered and confusing appearance.
Experiment with Colors
Explore Gmail’s additional formatting options, such as text color. Combining strikethrough with color changes can further enhance the visibility and impact of your modified text.
Conclusion
Incorporating strikethrough formatting in Gmail is a valuable skill that can significantly improve the clarity and professionalism of your email communication. Whether you are correcting errors, noting discontinuations, or presenting alternatives, strikethrough is a versatile tool that adds visual emphasis to your messages. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide and considering the tips provided, you can master the art of using strikethrough in Gmail to convey your messages effectively.