3.5.2 Highlighting elements
The highlighting elements are used to highlight text with
styles (such as bold, italic, and monospace). Never use these elements when a semantically specific
element is available. These elements are not intended for use by specializers, and are intended
solely for use by authors when no semantically appropriate element is available and a formatting
effect is required.
3.5.2.1 b
The <b>
element is typically used to apply bold highlighting to the content of the element. This element is part of the highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available. For example, for specific items such as GUI controls, use the <uicontrol>
element.
3.5.2.2 i
The <i>
element is typically used to apply italic highlighting to the content of the element. This element is part of the highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available. For example, for specific items such as citations, use the <cite>
element.
3.5.2.3 sup
The <sup>
element indicates that text should appear with superscript highlighting, or vertically raised in relationship to the surrounding text. Superscripts are usually a smaller font than the surrounding text. This element is part of the highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available.
3.5.2.4 sub
The <sub>
element indicates that text should appear with subscript highlighting, or placed lower in relationship to the surrounding text. Subscripted text is often a smaller font than the surrounding text. Formatting might vary depending on your output process. This element is part of the highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available.
3.5.2.5 tt
The <tt>
(teletype) element is typically used to apply monospaced highlighting to the content of the element. This element is part of the highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available. For example, for specific items such as inline code fragments, use the <codeph>
element.
3.5.2.6 u
The <u>
element is typically used to apply underline highlighting to the content of the element. This element is part of the highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available. For example, for specific items such as GUI controls, use the <uicontrol>
element.
3.5.2.7 line-through
The <line-through>
element indicates text that is rendered with a line struck through the content. This element is designed to enable authors to indicate a deletion or revision for rhetorical purpose; it is not intended to be used for indicating revisions. This element is part of the highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available.
3.5.2.8 overline
The <overline>
element indicates content that is rendered with a line above it. This element is part of the highlighting domain. Use this element only when a more semantically appropriate element is not available.