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Linguistics

What Is a Caret?

By K. Reynolds
Updated Jan 26, 2024
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A caret is the multipurpose symbol ^ and is commonly referred to as an up-arrow, hat, wedge, chevron or control character. It was first used in handwritten documents as a way to signal where editorial revisions were to be inserted. Over time, it has come to have other uses, such as being used as a cursor for entering text into a word processor, as a mathematical expression and as a symbol for the control key on a computer keyboard.

The term "caret" is derived from Latin origins and means “to be separated from.” In its original form, the caret was often used below a line of handwritten text to express the need for a punctuation mark such as a comma or period. It also was used above the text to signal the need for the addition of an apostrophe, a word or a phrase.

Although it was initially used as a proofreading and editorial symbol, it also is commonly used in mathematics. A caret generally indicates an exponential equation on graphic calculators that do not support superscript functionality, such as 4^4 instead of 44. The symbol was first introduced into mathematics through the Algorithmic Language 1960 (ALGOL60), which was one of the first computer programming languages.

After its implementation into ALGOL60, it began to be implemented into numerous computer programming languages. In addition to exponential equations, the caret is used to indicate other computer programming functions, such as XOR operator, control characters and string concatenation. The symbol is regularly used in several programming languages, such as Pascal and C++, and in some computer operating systems.

A caret also is used in the systematic study of logic and reasoning. In the realm of logic, it is referred to as a wedge symbol and is used as a logical operator to connect two or more statements. The format is known as logical operator notation, and the caret is a fundamental component of expressing logical conjunction.

Lastly, the symbol is commonly used in music notation, and it often indicates that a specific emphasis should be given to a particular note. In the use of stringed instruments, it indicates that the strings should literally be hammered with the bow. This form of notation is referred to as Martelé or Martellato, and it is used to give notes a distinct effect. In addition to bringing attention to a particular note, it also can be used as a way to reference the particular scale degree of a music composition.

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Discussion Comments

By jennythelib — On Apr 07, 2012

@MissDaphne - I don't necessarily disagree with you that proofreading by hand can be a useful exercise, but I *do* think that it is quite possible to do quality proofreading on a computer screen. It is just a matter of forcing yourself to see the words as you would on a page and to turn off your "computer reading" mode (in which the brain does not read all the words).

I find that the Editing and Reviewing Toolbar (or I guess it's a ribbon in the newer version?) on MS Word is really great for proofreading. You can use "track changes" to show what changes you are suggesting. The original author can then choose to accept or reject each individual change. The only problem you can run into is that if you make too many changes, it gets very messy. It is important for each new edit to be saved with a new file name and for all the old changes to be cleared out before new ones are made.

By MissDaphne — On Apr 06, 2012

I still teach my students the caret symbol for proofreading. Proofreading by hand is becoming a bit of a lost art, but I find that it is still crucial. One's eyes just don't see everything as well on a computer screen, and of course one also gets distracted by those red and green squiggly lines (spelling and grammar check) that are so often incorrect anyway.

And if you are going to proofread by hand, it's important that the editor and the writer are using the same symbols, or confusion can arise. So I teach them the caret for insertion, pound sign for adding a space, the loop for deletion, etc. Some of them actually really like it because it's like a code! We also use these symbol with our DGP (Daily Grammar Practice).

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