Do you put the * Before or after?

Do you put the * Before or after?

If you have ever wondered whether you should put the asterisk (*) before or after a sentence or phrase, the answer can be quite tricky. Depending on the context, it can be used in many different ways. The asterisk is commonly used in writing, in mathematics, and other areas of study, so understanding when and where to use it is important.

In writing, the asterisk is most often used as a footnote marker. It is placed after the sentence in which it appears, and the footnote is then found at the bottom of the page. It is also used to indicate missing text or an unfinished sentence. In this context, the asterisk is again placed after the sentence or phrase.

The asterisk may also be used to indicate a footnote in mathematics. It is placed before the number or symbol it applies to and the footnote is then found at the bottom of the page. In this context, it is a type of marker to show that further information is available.

The asterisk can also be used to show a footnote in a book or article. It is placed before the number or symbol it applies to and the footnote is then found at the end of the book or article. In this case, it is used to show additional information or to provide a reference.

Some people may also use the asterisk to mark a word or phrase that they feel is important. This is usually done by placing the asterisk after the word or phrase. It can also be used to indicate that the word or phrase is being used as an example.

The asterisk can also be used to denote a particular type of punctuation. It is usually placed before a sentence or phrase to indicate that the punctuation should be ignored. This is often done to show that the punctuation is not meant to be taken literally.

In some cases, the asterisk can be used to indicate an omission. This is usually done by placing the asterisk before the word or phrase that is being omitted. This can be used to show that the omitted material is not important or necessary for understanding the sentence or phrase.

The asterisk can also be used to indicate a footnote in a computer program. It is placed before the number or symbol it applies to, and the footnote is then found at the bottom of the page. In this context, it is a type of marker to show that further information is available.

The asterisk can also be used to denote a footnote in a list. It is placed before the number or symbol it applies to and the footnote is then found at the end of the list. In this case, it is used to show additional information or to provide a reference.

In conclusion, the answer to the question of whether you should put the asterisk before or after depends on the context. In writing and mathematics, it is usually placed after the sentence or phrase, while in other contexts, it can be placed before or after the word or phrase.



The asterisk is a versatile symbol with many uses in writing, mathematics, and other areas of study. Depending on the context, it can be placed before or after the word or phrase it applies to. Understanding when and where to use it is important to ensure clarity and accuracy in your work.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top