Is using “and/or” recommended for formal writing, or is it frowned upon?
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Is using "and/or" allowed in formal writing? If not, is there general way to represent the OR binary operator with as little space as possible in written English?
formality conjunctions writing-style
edited Apr 15 '11 at 5:46
RegDwigнt♦
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asked Apr 14 '11 at 23:32
UticensisUticensis
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add a comment |
Is using "and/or" allowed in formal writing? If not, is there general way to represent the OR binary operator with as little space as possible in written English?
formality conjunctions writing-style
edited Apr 15 '11 at 5:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.5k31281382
asked Apr 14 '11 at 23:32
UticensisUticensis
13.3k60131231
1
Related: Alternatives to “and/or”?
– RegDwigнt♦
Apr 15 '11 at 5:45
add a comment |
Is using "and/or" allowed in formal writing? If not, is there general way to represent the OR binary operator with as little space as possible in written English?
formality conjunctions writing-style
edited Apr 15 '11 at 5:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.5k31281382
asked Apr 14 '11 at 23:32
UticensisUticensis
13.3k60131231
Is using "and/or" allowed in formal writing? If not, is there general way to represent the OR binary operator with as little space as possible in written English?
formality conjunctions writing-style
formality conjunctions writing-style
edited Apr 15 '11 at 5:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.5k31281382
asked Apr 14 '11 at 23:32
UticensisUticensis
13.3k60131231
edited Apr 15 '11 at 5:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.5k31281382
asked Apr 14 '11 at 23:32
UticensisUticensis
13.3k60131231
edited Apr 15 '11 at 5:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.5k31281382
edited Apr 15 '11 at 5:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.5k31281382
edited Apr 15 '11 at 5:46
RegDwigнt♦
83.5k31281382
83.5k31281382
asked Apr 14 '11 at 23:32
UticensisUticensis
13.3k60131231
asked Apr 14 '11 at 23:32
UticensisUticensis
13.3k60131231
asked Apr 14 '11 at 23:32
UticensisUticensis
13.3k60131231
13.3k60131231
1
Related: Alternatives to “and/or”?
– RegDwigнt♦
Apr 15 '11 at 5:45
add a comment |
1
Related: Alternatives to “and/or”?
– RegDwigнt♦
Apr 15 '11 at 5:45
1
1
Related: Alternatives to “and/or”?
– RegDwigнt♦
Apr 15 '11 at 5:45
Related: Alternatives to “and/or”?
– RegDwigнt♦
Apr 15 '11 at 5:45
add a comment |
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
I believe most style books advise against using and/or in formal writing. By "formal" I mean in newspapers or novels. If space is extremely limited, most writers would have no qualms about it, as in dictionary entries or footnotes.
The reason is that or can mean either "either A and not B, or B and not A" or "A or B or both" in ordinary language: 99 % of the time, readers will be able to figure out whether it is used inclusively or exclusively based on context. If ambiguity could arise, the writer should add some context to make it clear:
This test may be taken on June 5 or
July 12.
May the test be taken twice? There are several ways to clarify this, though not every way may work in any situation. Suppose the answer was yes:
This test may be taken on June 5 and
July 12 [this may still not be clear
in some cases].
This test may be taken twice, on June
5 and July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5, and
again on July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5 or July 12, or on both dates.
Suppose the test might be taken only once:
This test may be taken on either June
5 or July 12 [this may still not be clear in
some cases].
This test may be taken once, on June 5
or July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5 or
July 12, but not on both dates.
Etc.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 14:40
CerberusCerberus
54.3k2121208
add a comment |
In the general English usage, the conjunction 'or' mostly follows the logical meaning of 'exclusive or', that is, it is almost always used in instances where the alternatives cannot take place at the same time. So 'or', even in circumstances where the alternatives are not exclusive, seems to imply that the two alternatives, even if they can, are not to be considered at the same time.
So if you want to express the inclusive or', the possibilities being: {one, the other, both}, you need to add in 'both' somehow. The lengthy way would be to say "A or B or both A and B" or "A or B or both", but an abbreviation is "A and/or B".
And, no, it's not particularly formal; it most likely does not show up in newspapers. I find if you have to translate 'and/or', I find the best is "A or B or both", but I am not a writer, so I'm sure there are better alternatives.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:26
MitchMitch
52.5k15105220
I thought that in English "or" follows the meaning of inclusive or. Am I wrong?
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 7:56
I mean, I think I would specify it is an exclusive or if I use either X or Y
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 8:24
1
@Simone In computers/logic, 'or' is inclusive: 'if X is true or Y is true, do Z', it is certainly allowable for both X and Y to be true in order to execute Z. But people usually speak about real world events, 'Can I get you coffee or tea?', means you'll get a single cup of one or the other (or nothing if you don't want it) but people normally don't get two cups or mix them up. So in normal English speech, 'or' is almost always exclusive. One sometimes hears a question 'Can you do X or Y?' and the correct answer is 'both' but it is unexpected.
– Mitch
Aug 25 '15 at 12:15
add a comment |
And/or is, in the vast majority of contexts, redundant. It's a construct that has become lexicalized and has evidently [come under intense criticism][1].
Take the following example
Please mail and/or FAX your reply.
This type of construct is extremely common, but what does this sentence mean? Either I will send my reply by mail, or I will send it by FAX, but I can not do both, so why the "and"?
I suggest using or where there are options from which you should pick only one and simply explain that multiple options are possible from a list when introducing it. As in the preceding sentence, only use and when both apply.
Regarding your specification of "formal writing": if you are writing for a specific audience or body, consult their style manual and employ it as gospel regardless or your (or my) preferences.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:17
msanfordmsanford
1,07911015
"And/or" in your example would specifically mean that you can "mail", "fax", or "mail and fax". Why would you not be able to do both? "And/or" specifically means "or (not exclusive or)" — it has a meaning that is distinct from simply "or" (formality level notwithstanding).
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:28
@Kosmonaut Indeed, you are correct that it's physically possible to do all three. But that's precisely my point: The implied meaning of and/or is almost never ¬XOR. The writer of the instructions in my example means XOR.
– msanford
Apr 15 '11 at 0:33
1
That is strange; I've never seen "and/or" used to mean XOR before.
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:48
add a comment |
I personally use and/or when it is logically true. In some cases it is important to stress that BOTH options can be done, or a single option can be done (either or both can be done). Although it is often misused in cases where OR is sufficient. Otherwise, the use of OR may exclude BOTH options, when exclusion isn't the intent (that would be an XOR).
'Formal writing' I don't really buy into much. I am always writing formally, unless I'm SMS texting someone maybe. Even if in a research paper, it is fine, unless you have an anal retentive English teacher. In the real world it is accepted and appropriate, I believe. It is clearer than the longer expansion "A or B, or both".
answered Apr 15 '11 at 8:30
dyastadyasta
1112
add a comment |
Not sure what your context is, but I was working with:
All templates have a spot for your site title and/or logo on every page.
Users could have a title, could have a logo, or could have both. I ended up going with:
All templates have a spot for your site title, logo, or both on every page.
edited Dec 26 '15 at 23:11
macraf
2,24892034
answered Mar 14 '15 at 15:00
KelseyKelsey
1
add a comment |
Higher rated publications like JMIR and SAGE won't accept and/or. It has to be one or the other...
Lower rated publications don't care.
answered Mar 27 at 17:54
user341804user341804
1
add a comment |
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6 Answers
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active
oldest
votes
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
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I believe most style books advise against using and/or in formal writing. By "formal" I mean in newspapers or novels. If space is extremely limited, most writers would have no qualms about it, as in dictionary entries or footnotes.
The reason is that or can mean either "either A and not B, or B and not A" or "A or B or both" in ordinary language: 99 % of the time, readers will be able to figure out whether it is used inclusively or exclusively based on context. If ambiguity could arise, the writer should add some context to make it clear:
This test may be taken on June 5 or
July 12.
May the test be taken twice? There are several ways to clarify this, though not every way may work in any situation. Suppose the answer was yes:
This test may be taken on June 5 and
July 12 [this may still not be clear
in some cases].
This test may be taken twice, on June
5 and July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5, and
again on July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5 or July 12, or on both dates.
Suppose the test might be taken only once:
This test may be taken on either June
5 or July 12 [this may still not be clear in
some cases].
This test may be taken once, on June 5
or July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5 or
July 12, but not on both dates.
Etc.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 14:40
CerberusCerberus
54.3k2121208
add a comment |
I believe most style books advise against using and/or in formal writing. By "formal" I mean in newspapers or novels. If space is extremely limited, most writers would have no qualms about it, as in dictionary entries or footnotes.
The reason is that or can mean either "either A and not B, or B and not A" or "A or B or both" in ordinary language: 99 % of the time, readers will be able to figure out whether it is used inclusively or exclusively based on context. If ambiguity could arise, the writer should add some context to make it clear:
This test may be taken on June 5 or
July 12.
May the test be taken twice? There are several ways to clarify this, though not every way may work in any situation. Suppose the answer was yes:
This test may be taken on June 5 and
July 12 [this may still not be clear
in some cases].
This test may be taken twice, on June
5 and July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5, and
again on July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5 or July 12, or on both dates.
Suppose the test might be taken only once:
This test may be taken on either June
5 or July 12 [this may still not be clear in
some cases].
This test may be taken once, on June 5
or July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5 or
July 12, but not on both dates.
Etc.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 14:40
CerberusCerberus
54.3k2121208
add a comment |
I believe most style books advise against using and/or in formal writing. By "formal" I mean in newspapers or novels. If space is extremely limited, most writers would have no qualms about it, as in dictionary entries or footnotes.
The reason is that or can mean either "either A and not B, or B and not A" or "A or B or both" in ordinary language: 99 % of the time, readers will be able to figure out whether it is used inclusively or exclusively based on context. If ambiguity could arise, the writer should add some context to make it clear:
This test may be taken on June 5 or
July 12.
May the test be taken twice? There are several ways to clarify this, though not every way may work in any situation. Suppose the answer was yes:
This test may be taken on June 5 and
July 12 [this may still not be clear
in some cases].
This test may be taken twice, on June
5 and July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5, and
again on July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5 or July 12, or on both dates.
Suppose the test might be taken only once:
This test may be taken on either June
5 or July 12 [this may still not be clear in
some cases].
This test may be taken once, on June 5
or July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5 or
July 12, but not on both dates.
Etc.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 14:40
CerberusCerberus
54.3k2121208
I believe most style books advise against using and/or in formal writing. By "formal" I mean in newspapers or novels. If space is extremely limited, most writers would have no qualms about it, as in dictionary entries or footnotes.
The reason is that or can mean either "either A and not B, or B and not A" or "A or B or both" in ordinary language: 99 % of the time, readers will be able to figure out whether it is used inclusively or exclusively based on context. If ambiguity could arise, the writer should add some context to make it clear:
This test may be taken on June 5 or
July 12.
May the test be taken twice? There are several ways to clarify this, though not every way may work in any situation. Suppose the answer was yes:
This test may be taken on June 5 and
July 12 [this may still not be clear
in some cases].
This test may be taken twice, on June
5 and July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5, and
again on July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5 or July 12, or on both dates.
Suppose the test might be taken only once:
This test may be taken on either June
5 or July 12 [this may still not be clear in
some cases].
This test may be taken once, on June 5
or July 12.
This test may be taken on June 5 or
July 12, but not on both dates.
Etc.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 14:40
CerberusCerberus
54.3k2121208
edited Apr 15 '11 at 23:32
answered Apr 15 '11 at 14:40
CerberusCerberus
54.3k2121208
answered Apr 15 '11 at 14:40
CerberusCerberus
54.3k2121208
answered Apr 15 '11 at 14:40
CerberusCerberus
54.3k2121208
54.3k2121208
add a comment |
add a comment |
In the general English usage, the conjunction 'or' mostly follows the logical meaning of 'exclusive or', that is, it is almost always used in instances where the alternatives cannot take place at the same time. So 'or', even in circumstances where the alternatives are not exclusive, seems to imply that the two alternatives, even if they can, are not to be considered at the same time.
So if you want to express the inclusive or', the possibilities being: {one, the other, both}, you need to add in 'both' somehow. The lengthy way would be to say "A or B or both A and B" or "A or B or both", but an abbreviation is "A and/or B".
And, no, it's not particularly formal; it most likely does not show up in newspapers. I find if you have to translate 'and/or', I find the best is "A or B or both", but I am not a writer, so I'm sure there are better alternatives.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:26
MitchMitch
52.5k15105220
I thought that in English "or" follows the meaning of inclusive or. Am I wrong?
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 7:56
I mean, I think I would specify it is an exclusive or if I use either X or Y
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 8:24
1
@Simone In computers/logic, 'or' is inclusive: 'if X is true or Y is true, do Z', it is certainly allowable for both X and Y to be true in order to execute Z. But people usually speak about real world events, 'Can I get you coffee or tea?', means you'll get a single cup of one or the other (or nothing if you don't want it) but people normally don't get two cups or mix them up. So in normal English speech, 'or' is almost always exclusive. One sometimes hears a question 'Can you do X or Y?' and the correct answer is 'both' but it is unexpected.
– Mitch
Aug 25 '15 at 12:15
add a comment |
In the general English usage, the conjunction 'or' mostly follows the logical meaning of 'exclusive or', that is, it is almost always used in instances where the alternatives cannot take place at the same time. So 'or', even in circumstances where the alternatives are not exclusive, seems to imply that the two alternatives, even if they can, are not to be considered at the same time.
So if you want to express the inclusive or', the possibilities being: {one, the other, both}, you need to add in 'both' somehow. The lengthy way would be to say "A or B or both A and B" or "A or B or both", but an abbreviation is "A and/or B".
And, no, it's not particularly formal; it most likely does not show up in newspapers. I find if you have to translate 'and/or', I find the best is "A or B or both", but I am not a writer, so I'm sure there are better alternatives.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:26
MitchMitch
52.5k15105220
I thought that in English "or" follows the meaning of inclusive or. Am I wrong?
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 7:56
I mean, I think I would specify it is an exclusive or if I use either X or Y
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 8:24
1
@Simone In computers/logic, 'or' is inclusive: 'if X is true or Y is true, do Z', it is certainly allowable for both X and Y to be true in order to execute Z. But people usually speak about real world events, 'Can I get you coffee or tea?', means you'll get a single cup of one or the other (or nothing if you don't want it) but people normally don't get two cups or mix them up. So in normal English speech, 'or' is almost always exclusive. One sometimes hears a question 'Can you do X or Y?' and the correct answer is 'both' but it is unexpected.
– Mitch
Aug 25 '15 at 12:15
add a comment |
In the general English usage, the conjunction 'or' mostly follows the logical meaning of 'exclusive or', that is, it is almost always used in instances where the alternatives cannot take place at the same time. So 'or', even in circumstances where the alternatives are not exclusive, seems to imply that the two alternatives, even if they can, are not to be considered at the same time.
So if you want to express the inclusive or', the possibilities being: {one, the other, both}, you need to add in 'both' somehow. The lengthy way would be to say "A or B or both A and B" or "A or B or both", but an abbreviation is "A and/or B".
And, no, it's not particularly formal; it most likely does not show up in newspapers. I find if you have to translate 'and/or', I find the best is "A or B or both", but I am not a writer, so I'm sure there are better alternatives.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:26
MitchMitch
52.5k15105220
In the general English usage, the conjunction 'or' mostly follows the logical meaning of 'exclusive or', that is, it is almost always used in instances where the alternatives cannot take place at the same time. So 'or', even in circumstances where the alternatives are not exclusive, seems to imply that the two alternatives, even if they can, are not to be considered at the same time.
So if you want to express the inclusive or', the possibilities being: {one, the other, both}, you need to add in 'both' somehow. The lengthy way would be to say "A or B or both A and B" or "A or B or both", but an abbreviation is "A and/or B".
And, no, it's not particularly formal; it most likely does not show up in newspapers. I find if you have to translate 'and/or', I find the best is "A or B or both", but I am not a writer, so I'm sure there are better alternatives.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:26
MitchMitch
52.5k15105220
edited Apr 15 '11 at 1:08
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:26
MitchMitch
52.5k15105220
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:26
MitchMitch
52.5k15105220
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:26
MitchMitch
52.5k15105220
52.5k15105220
I thought that in English "or" follows the meaning of inclusive or. Am I wrong?
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 7:56
I mean, I think I would specify it is an exclusive or if I use either X or Y
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 8:24
1
@Simone In computers/logic, 'or' is inclusive: 'if X is true or Y is true, do Z', it is certainly allowable for both X and Y to be true in order to execute Z. But people usually speak about real world events, 'Can I get you coffee or tea?', means you'll get a single cup of one or the other (or nothing if you don't want it) but people normally don't get two cups or mix them up. So in normal English speech, 'or' is almost always exclusive. One sometimes hears a question 'Can you do X or Y?' and the correct answer is 'both' but it is unexpected.
– Mitch
Aug 25 '15 at 12:15
add a comment |
I thought that in English "or" follows the meaning of inclusive or. Am I wrong?
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 7:56
I mean, I think I would specify it is an exclusive or if I use either X or Y
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 8:24
1
@Simone In computers/logic, 'or' is inclusive: 'if X is true or Y is true, do Z', it is certainly allowable for both X and Y to be true in order to execute Z. But people usually speak about real world events, 'Can I get you coffee or tea?', means you'll get a single cup of one or the other (or nothing if you don't want it) but people normally don't get two cups or mix them up. So in normal English speech, 'or' is almost always exclusive. One sometimes hears a question 'Can you do X or Y?' and the correct answer is 'both' but it is unexpected.
– Mitch
Aug 25 '15 at 12:15
I thought that in English "or" follows the meaning of inclusive or. Am I wrong?
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 7:56
I thought that in English "or" follows the meaning of inclusive or. Am I wrong?
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 7:56
I mean, I think I would specify it is an exclusive or if I use either X or Y
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 8:24
I mean, I think I would specify it is an exclusive or if I use either X or Y
– Simone
Aug 25 '15 at 8:24
1
1
@Simone In computers/logic, 'or' is inclusive: 'if X is true or Y is true, do Z', it is certainly allowable for both X and Y to be true in order to execute Z. But people usually speak about real world events, 'Can I get you coffee or tea?', means you'll get a single cup of one or the other (or nothing if you don't want it) but people normally don't get two cups or mix them up. So in normal English speech, 'or' is almost always exclusive. One sometimes hears a question 'Can you do X or Y?' and the correct answer is 'both' but it is unexpected.
– Mitch
Aug 25 '15 at 12:15
@Simone In computers/logic, 'or' is inclusive: 'if X is true or Y is true, do Z', it is certainly allowable for both X and Y to be true in order to execute Z. But people usually speak about real world events, 'Can I get you coffee or tea?', means you'll get a single cup of one or the other (or nothing if you don't want it) but people normally don't get two cups or mix them up. So in normal English speech, 'or' is almost always exclusive. One sometimes hears a question 'Can you do X or Y?' and the correct answer is 'both' but it is unexpected.
– Mitch
Aug 25 '15 at 12:15
add a comment |
And/or is, in the vast majority of contexts, redundant. It's a construct that has become lexicalized and has evidently [come under intense criticism][1].
Take the following example
Please mail and/or FAX your reply.
This type of construct is extremely common, but what does this sentence mean? Either I will send my reply by mail, or I will send it by FAX, but I can not do both, so why the "and"?
I suggest using or where there are options from which you should pick only one and simply explain that multiple options are possible from a list when introducing it. As in the preceding sentence, only use and when both apply.
Regarding your specification of "formal writing": if you are writing for a specific audience or body, consult their style manual and employ it as gospel regardless or your (or my) preferences.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:17
msanfordmsanford
1,07911015
"And/or" in your example would specifically mean that you can "mail", "fax", or "mail and fax". Why would you not be able to do both? "And/or" specifically means "or (not exclusive or)" — it has a meaning that is distinct from simply "or" (formality level notwithstanding).
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:28
@Kosmonaut Indeed, you are correct that it's physically possible to do all three. But that's precisely my point: The implied meaning of and/or is almost never ¬XOR. The writer of the instructions in my example means XOR.
– msanford
Apr 15 '11 at 0:33
1
That is strange; I've never seen "and/or" used to mean XOR before.
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:48
add a comment |
And/or is, in the vast majority of contexts, redundant. It's a construct that has become lexicalized and has evidently [come under intense criticism][1].
Take the following example
Please mail and/or FAX your reply.
This type of construct is extremely common, but what does this sentence mean? Either I will send my reply by mail, or I will send it by FAX, but I can not do both, so why the "and"?
I suggest using or where there are options from which you should pick only one and simply explain that multiple options are possible from a list when introducing it. As in the preceding sentence, only use and when both apply.
Regarding your specification of "formal writing": if you are writing for a specific audience or body, consult their style manual and employ it as gospel regardless or your (or my) preferences.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:17
msanfordmsanford
1,07911015
"And/or" in your example would specifically mean that you can "mail", "fax", or "mail and fax". Why would you not be able to do both? "And/or" specifically means "or (not exclusive or)" — it has a meaning that is distinct from simply "or" (formality level notwithstanding).
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:28
@Kosmonaut Indeed, you are correct that it's physically possible to do all three. But that's precisely my point: The implied meaning of and/or is almost never ¬XOR. The writer of the instructions in my example means XOR.
– msanford
Apr 15 '11 at 0:33
1
That is strange; I've never seen "and/or" used to mean XOR before.
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:48
add a comment |
And/or is, in the vast majority of contexts, redundant. It's a construct that has become lexicalized and has evidently [come under intense criticism][1].
Take the following example
Please mail and/or FAX your reply.
This type of construct is extremely common, but what does this sentence mean? Either I will send my reply by mail, or I will send it by FAX, but I can not do both, so why the "and"?
I suggest using or where there are options from which you should pick only one and simply explain that multiple options are possible from a list when introducing it. As in the preceding sentence, only use and when both apply.
Regarding your specification of "formal writing": if you are writing for a specific audience or body, consult their style manual and employ it as gospel regardless or your (or my) preferences.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:17
msanfordmsanford
1,07911015
And/or is, in the vast majority of contexts, redundant. It's a construct that has become lexicalized and has evidently [come under intense criticism][1].
Take the following example
Please mail and/or FAX your reply.
This type of construct is extremely common, but what does this sentence mean? Either I will send my reply by mail, or I will send it by FAX, but I can not do both, so why the "and"?
I suggest using or where there are options from which you should pick only one and simply explain that multiple options are possible from a list when introducing it. As in the preceding sentence, only use and when both apply.
Regarding your specification of "formal writing": if you are writing for a specific audience or body, consult their style manual and employ it as gospel regardless or your (or my) preferences.
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:17
msanfordmsanford
1,07911015
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:17
msanfordmsanford
1,07911015
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:17
msanfordmsanford
1,07911015
answered Apr 15 '11 at 0:17
msanfordmsanford
1,07911015
1,07911015
"And/or" in your example would specifically mean that you can "mail", "fax", or "mail and fax". Why would you not be able to do both? "And/or" specifically means "or (not exclusive or)" — it has a meaning that is distinct from simply "or" (formality level notwithstanding).
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:28
@Kosmonaut Indeed, you are correct that it's physically possible to do all three. But that's precisely my point: The implied meaning of and/or is almost never ¬XOR. The writer of the instructions in my example means XOR.
– msanford
Apr 15 '11 at 0:33
1
That is strange; I've never seen "and/or" used to mean XOR before.
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:48
add a comment |
"And/or" in your example would specifically mean that you can "mail", "fax", or "mail and fax". Why would you not be able to do both? "And/or" specifically means "or (not exclusive or)" — it has a meaning that is distinct from simply "or" (formality level notwithstanding).
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:28
@Kosmonaut Indeed, you are correct that it's physically possible to do all three. But that's precisely my point: The implied meaning of and/or is almost never ¬XOR. The writer of the instructions in my example means XOR.
– msanford
Apr 15 '11 at 0:33
1
That is strange; I've never seen "and/or" used to mean XOR before.
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:48
"And/or" in your example would specifically mean that you can "mail", "fax", or "mail and fax". Why would you not be able to do both? "And/or" specifically means "or (not exclusive or)" — it has a meaning that is distinct from simply "or" (formality level notwithstanding).
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:28
"And/or" in your example would specifically mean that you can "mail", "fax", or "mail and fax". Why would you not be able to do both? "And/or" specifically means "or (not exclusive or)" — it has a meaning that is distinct from simply "or" (formality level notwithstanding).
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:28
@Kosmonaut Indeed, you are correct that it's physically possible to do all three. But that's precisely my point: The implied meaning of and/or is almost never ¬XOR. The writer of the instructions in my example means XOR.
– msanford
Apr 15 '11 at 0:33
@Kosmonaut Indeed, you are correct that it's physically possible to do all three. But that's precisely my point: The implied meaning of and/or is almost never ¬XOR. The writer of the instructions in my example means XOR.
– msanford
Apr 15 '11 at 0:33
1
1
That is strange; I've never seen "and/or" used to mean XOR before.
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:48
That is strange; I've never seen "and/or" used to mean XOR before.
– Kosmonaut
Apr 15 '11 at 0:48
add a comment |
I personally use and/or when it is logically true. In some cases it is important to stress that BOTH options can be done, or a single option can be done (either or both can be done). Although it is often misused in cases where OR is sufficient. Otherwise, the use of OR may exclude BOTH options, when exclusion isn't the intent (that would be an XOR).
'Formal writing' I don't really buy into much. I am always writing formally, unless I'm SMS texting someone maybe. Even if in a research paper, it is fine, unless you have an anal retentive English teacher. In the real world it is accepted and appropriate, I believe. It is clearer than the longer expansion "A or B, or both".
answered Apr 15 '11 at 8:30
dyastadyasta
1112
add a comment |
I personally use and/or when it is logically true. In some cases it is important to stress that BOTH options can be done, or a single option can be done (either or both can be done). Although it is often misused in cases where OR is sufficient. Otherwise, the use of OR may exclude BOTH options, when exclusion isn't the intent (that would be an XOR).
'Formal writing' I don't really buy into much. I am always writing formally, unless I'm SMS texting someone maybe. Even if in a research paper, it is fine, unless you have an anal retentive English teacher. In the real world it is accepted and appropriate, I believe. It is clearer than the longer expansion "A or B, or both".
answered Apr 15 '11 at 8:30
dyastadyasta
1112
add a comment |
I personally use and/or when it is logically true. In some cases it is important to stress that BOTH options can be done, or a single option can be done (either or both can be done). Although it is often misused in cases where OR is sufficient. Otherwise, the use of OR may exclude BOTH options, when exclusion isn't the intent (that would be an XOR).
'Formal writing' I don't really buy into much. I am always writing formally, unless I'm SMS texting someone maybe. Even if in a research paper, it is fine, unless you have an anal retentive English teacher. In the real world it is accepted and appropriate, I believe. It is clearer than the longer expansion "A or B, or both".
answered Apr 15 '11 at 8:30
dyastadyasta
1112
I personally use and/or when it is logically true. In some cases it is important to stress that BOTH options can be done, or a single option can be done (either or both can be done). Although it is often misused in cases where OR is sufficient. Otherwise, the use of OR may exclude BOTH options, when exclusion isn't the intent (that would be an XOR).
'Formal writing' I don't really buy into much. I am always writing formally, unless I'm SMS texting someone maybe. Even if in a research paper, it is fine, unless you have an anal retentive English teacher. In the real world it is accepted and appropriate, I believe. It is clearer than the longer expansion "A or B, or both".
answered Apr 15 '11 at 8:30
dyastadyasta
1112
answered Apr 15 '11 at 8:30
dyastadyasta
1112
answered Apr 15 '11 at 8:30
dyastadyasta
1112
answered Apr 15 '11 at 8:30
dyastadyasta
1112
1112
add a comment |
add a comment |
Not sure what your context is, but I was working with:
All templates have a spot for your site title and/or logo on every page.
Users could have a title, could have a logo, or could have both. I ended up going with:
All templates have a spot for your site title, logo, or both on every page.
edited Dec 26 '15 at 23:11
macraf
2,24892034
answered Mar 14 '15 at 15:00
KelseyKelsey
1
add a comment |
Not sure what your context is, but I was working with:
All templates have a spot for your site title and/or logo on every page.
Users could have a title, could have a logo, or could have both. I ended up going with:
All templates have a spot for your site title, logo, or both on every page.
edited Dec 26 '15 at 23:11
macraf
2,24892034
answered Mar 14 '15 at 15:00
KelseyKelsey
1
add a comment |
Not sure what your context is, but I was working with:
All templates have a spot for your site title and/or logo on every page.
Users could have a title, could have a logo, or could have both. I ended up going with:
All templates have a spot for your site title, logo, or both on every page.
edited Dec 26 '15 at 23:11
macraf
2,24892034
answered Mar 14 '15 at 15:00
KelseyKelsey
1
Not sure what your context is, but I was working with:
All templates have a spot for your site title and/or logo on every page.
Users could have a title, could have a logo, or could have both. I ended up going with:
All templates have a spot for your site title, logo, or both on every page.
edited Dec 26 '15 at 23:11
macraf
2,24892034
answered Mar 14 '15 at 15:00
KelseyKelsey
1
edited Dec 26 '15 at 23:11
macraf
2,24892034
edited Dec 26 '15 at 23:11
macraf
2,24892034
edited Dec 26 '15 at 23:11
macraf
2,24892034
2,24892034
answered Mar 14 '15 at 15:00
KelseyKelsey
1
answered Mar 14 '15 at 15:00
KelseyKelsey
1
answered Mar 14 '15 at 15:00
KelseyKelsey
1
1
add a comment |
add a comment |
Higher rated publications like JMIR and SAGE won't accept and/or. It has to be one or the other...
Lower rated publications don't care.
answered Mar 27 at 17:54
user341804user341804
1
add a comment |
Higher rated publications like JMIR and SAGE won't accept and/or. It has to be one or the other...
Lower rated publications don't care.
answered Mar 27 at 17:54
user341804user341804
1
add a comment |
Higher rated publications like JMIR and SAGE won't accept and/or. It has to be one or the other...
Lower rated publications don't care.
answered Mar 27 at 17:54
user341804user341804
1
Higher rated publications like JMIR and SAGE won't accept and/or. It has to be one or the other...
Lower rated publications don't care.
answered Mar 27 at 17:54
user341804user341804
1
answered Mar 27 at 17:54
user341804user341804
1
answered Mar 27 at 17:54
user341804user341804
1
answered Mar 27 at 17:54
user341804user341804
1
1
add a comment |
add a comment |
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Related: Alternatives to “and/or”?
– RegDwigнt♦
Apr 15 '11 at 5:45