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 Note

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?

Usage

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

The criteria to issue a red flag warning that’s a Particularly Dangerous Situation includes a forecast of sustained winds of at least 35 mph and/or gusts of at least 60 mph, single-digit relative humidity, and extremely dry vegetation.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump has filled out his Cabinet and other senior positions with loyalists who will enthusiastically implement his commands, even if they are unconscionable and/or illegal.

From Salon

It has been reported that senior United States military officials have been conducting informal talks about how to resist or otherwise circumvent illegal and/or unconstitutional orders from soon-to-be President Trump and his agents.

From Salon

Where the traveler’s legal documents have not been updated to reflect gender identity, a government ID and/or copy of a birth certificate should suffice.

From Slate

CBS also noted that Trump was very upset about all that, saying the company had been the target of "probably illegal rumors and/or statements" demanding an investigation by the SEC — which will soon be answering to him.

From Salon