and/or

[and-awr]

conjunction

1. (used to imply that either or both of the things mentioned may be affected or involved).

   insurance covering fire and/or wind damage.

and/or

conjunction

1. (coordinating) used to join terms when either one or the other or both is indicated

   passports and/or other means of identification

Usage

The combination and/or is used primarily in business and legal writing: All dwellings and/or other structures on the property are included in the contract. Because of these business and legal associations, some object to the use of this combination in general writing, where it occasionally occurs: She spends much of her leisure time entertaining and/or traveling. In such writing, either and or or is usually adequate. If a greater distinction is needed, another phrasing is available: Would you like cream or sugar, or both?

Many people think that and/or is only acceptable in legal and commercial contexts. In other contexts, it is better to use or both: some alcoholics lose their jobs or their driving licences or both (not their jobs and/or their driving licences )

Idioms and Phrases

Both or either of two options. For example, His use of copyrighted material shows that the writer is careless and/or dishonest. This idiom originated in legal terminology of the mid-1800s.

Example Sentences

Every non-white and/or queer person in America has been in Leota Adebayo’s shoes at various times, walking down a street in an unfamiliar place, minding their business and expecting nothing more than to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

From Salon

The Meter Operation Code of Practice Agreement says the plastic casing can "in some circumstances become conductive leading to a risk of electric shock and/or excessive heat".

From BBC

But what the activists leading the conservative legal movement right now understand is the power of telling their stories on their terms—not only to the justices, but also to anyone with internet access who is outraged by the continued existence of gay and trans people, and/or who believes that discrimination against Christians remains the defining civil rights crisis of our time.

From Slate

He added: "In several instances, it is unclear if the relevant targeting is even said to have been done on behalf of ANL, because the pleading is rolled up with an allegation that the relevant journalist worked at Mirror Group Newspapers and/or News Group Newspapers."

From BBC

King pleaded guilty in August to conspiring to bring, throw, and or convey List A and List B prohibited articles into or out of prison, and conspiring to acquire, use or possess criminal property.

From BBC