The AP Stylebook has just a few guidelines for how and when to properly use the ampersand in your writing. They are listed as follows.
Use the ampersand when it is part of a company’s formal name or composition title. For example,
- House & Garden
- Procter and Gamble
- B&O Railroad
AP Style holds that the ampersand should not otherwise be used in place of “and.” For example,
- Correct: My favorite activities are reading and swimming.
- Wrong: My favorite activities are reading & swimming.