Editor's Corner

Here are the guidelines for using slashes from the JHA Style Guide for Technical Communication and Training.

Speaking of slashes, your friendly editor may have asked you not use the term “and/or,” and to choose “and” or “or” instead.

Per the Chicago Manual of Style, “Avoid this Janus-faced term. It can often be replaced by and or or with no loss in meaning. Where it seems needed {take a sleeping pill and/or a warm drink}, try or . . . or both {take a sleeping pill or a warm drink or both}. But think of other possibilities {take a sleeping pill with a warm drink}.”

One reason not to use and/or statements is that it creates uncertainty. Here is an example, “I and/or Kara will edit your document tomorrow.” The and/or statement in this sentence can mean that I will edit your document, Kara will edit your document, or both Kara and I will edit your document.

There is also the issue of whether using and/or in a subject makes the verb singular or plural.

For example:

This message and/or attachments [is? are?] confidential.

Before you use and/or in your writing, try to determine whether the term is necessary or if there is a clearer way to express what you are trying to say.

Jackie Solano | Technical Editor | Symitar®

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