Text Formatting: strong, em, br, hr, small, mark

Inline Text Semantics

HTML has several elements for adding meaning to runs of inline text. These are different from styling — a screen reader, for example, will emphasise <em> text audibly.

<p>This word is <strong>very important</strong> and this is <em>emphasised</em>.</p>
<p>Use <mark>highlighted text</mark> to draw attention.</p>
<p>Fine print goes in <small>small</small> text.</p>
<p>Line one<br />Line two (forced break)</p>
<hr />
<p>Content after a thematic break.</p>

When to Use Each Tag

• <strong> — Strong importance. Renders bold by default.
• <em> — Stress emphasis. Renders italic by default.
• <mark> — Highlight for reference, like a search result.
• <small> — Side comments, fine print, copyright notices.
• <br /> — A line break within flowing text. Do NOT use it to add spacing between paragraphs.
• <hr /> — A thematic break (e.g. a scene change in a story).