@cindex markup syntax
The markup syntax is similar to LilyPond's usual syntax: a
-@code{\markup} expression can be made of one word, or several words.
-In the latter case, the expression has to be enclosed in curly braces
-@code{@{ ... @}} or double quotes @code{"..."}.
+@code{\markup} expression is enclosed in curly braces @code{@{
+@dots{} @}}.
+@c to delete? -gp
+Markup expressions may also be enclosed in double quotes
+@code{"..."}, but these are treated as text strings. Commands are
+interpreted literally.
-While a text string between double quotes is regarded as an indivisible
-single expression, markup blocks defined using braces can contain
-smaller expressions.
+In markup mode, specific commands are entered using the backslash
+@code{\} character. Such commands only affect the first following
+expression.
-In markup mode, specific commands are entered using the
-backslash @code{\} character. Such commands only affect
-the first following expression: either a single word, or
-a group of words.
+In this example, the first markup is made of one word without any
+braces or quotes, while the following markups demonstrate the usefulness
+of nested markup expressions using braces.
+This syntax is prefered, as it allows both single-word and multi-word
+markups.
@lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment,relative=1]
e1-\markup intenso
c
@end lilypond
-@noindent
-In this example, the first markup is made of one word without any
-braces or quotes, while the following markups demonstrate the usefulness
-of nested markup expressions using braces.
-This syntax is prefered, as it allows both single-word and multi-word
-markups.
-
@cindex special characters in markup mode
@cindex markup mode, special characters
@cindex reserved characters, printing
@end lilypond
The way markup expressions are defined affects
-how these expressions will stacked,centered and aligned;
+how these expressions will stacked, centered and aligned;
this syntax is described in @ref{Text alignment}.
@lilypond[quote,verbatim,fragment,relative=1]