Advanced Text Semantics

Mark up quotations, abbreviations, dates, code, edits, and contact details accurately.

Updated Aug 13, 2026Tested with HTML Living Standard

HTML has elements for common kinds of text. Using them preserves meaning when styles change and gives tools better information.

Quotes, terms, and time

article.html

01<blockquote cite="https://example.com/source">
02  <p>The web is for everyone.</p>
03</blockquote>
04<p><abbr title="Cascading Style Sheets">CSS</abbr> controls presentation.</p>
05<p>Published <time datetime="2026-08-13">August 13, 2026</time>.</p>
06<p><dfn>Semantic HTML</dfn> is markup chosen for meaning.</p>

Use q for an inline quotation and blockquote for a block quotation. Machine-readable datetime values make visible date formats unambiguous.

Code, edits, and contact information

notes.html

01<p>Run <kbd>Ctrl</kbd> + <kbd>K</kbd>, then enter <code>grid</code>.</p>
02<pre><code>const ready = true;</code></pre>
03<p><del>Draft</del> <ins>Reviewed</ins></p>
04<address><a href="mailto:editor@example.com">Course editor</a></address>

Keep this

Use specialized text elements when they genuinely describe the content; do not choose them only for their browser styling.

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