What are the benefits of using HTML tags like <sup> for semantic markup over using HTML entities for special characters in PHP output?

Using HTML tags like <sup> for semantic markup is beneficial because it helps to clearly define the structure and meaning of the content, making it more accessible to both users and search engines. On the other hand, using HTML entities for special characters in PHP output can make the code harder to read and maintain. By using HTML tags for semantic markup, you can improve the overall quality and readability of your code.

&lt;?php
$special_character = &#039;&amp;reg;&#039;;
echo &quot;&lt;p&gt;This text contains a registered trademark symbol: &lt;sup&gt;$special_character&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&quot;;
?&gt;