8 Formal Ways to Say “And/Or”
Are you looking for a more suitable formal alternative to “and/or”?
Perhaps you’re worried that the slash in the phrase is unprofessional. Or maybe you simply think it doesn’t fit your formal writing.
Whatever the case, we’re here to help.
This article will explain how to say “and/or” formally.
Can “And/Or” Be Used in Formal Writing?
You can’t use “and/or” in formal writing. The slash is not correct in formal writing , which means it’s not something you should include in essays, newspapers, or other formal outlets.
Technically, the word is grammatically correct .
It shows that you can choose one of two options or both if that’s more relevant.
It can’t be used professionally, as APA Style discourages the use of and/or . After all, it won’t add much to your writing that other more formal phrases can’t.
Still, you can review this example to learn more:
It can come in black and/or gold. It’s up to you to decide.
- It’s a good way to give people as many options as possible.
- It’s quite effective at getting a lot of information out quickly with only a few words.
- It’s unprofessional.
- Most style guides discourage its use.
So, it might not be wise to use “and/or” in your writing. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore some alternatives that do the same job and make your writing more formal.
Keep reading to learn how to say “and/or” in an email or other professional situation. We’ve gathered a helpful list of alternatives to show you what might work.
What to Say Instead of “And/Or”
- Either … or both
- In addition to
- In conjunction with
- One of … or both
1. As Well As
One of the best ways to replace “and/or” in professional writing is “as well as.”
This works really well in most academic writing cases.
After all, it shows that you can choose from one of two different options.
Generally speaking, you don’t need to include both “and” and “or” when showing that the reader can choose one or two things.
Instead, “as well as” shows that it’s up to the reader to decide which works best for them. So, you can use this in an essay if you’re wondering what to say instead of “and/or” that works professionally .
Check out these essay samples if you still don’t understand how to use it:
You can choose option one as well as option two. Of course, you can choose both if that’s more suitable for you.
It’s clear that they wanted to decide between figure three as well as figure five. Nobody could decide which was more potent, though.
2. Either … or Both
Next, you can include “either … or both” in a paper. This works well when you want to use “and/or” without the slash.
After all, instead of the slash, we’ve included space for you to write other words. Sure, it makes your writing wordier, but it also makes it more professional and streamlined .
For example:
- You can choose either white or black or both .
As you can see, something should come between “either” and “or both.” This will allow the reader to see that they have two options.
From there, the reader can decide whether they want to use one or the other or both, if that’s more suited to what they need.
Overall, the phrase makes a lot of sense. When you include something after “either,” it’s clear and direct , making it a great option to include.
Feel free to review these examples if you still need help with it:
It’s worth picking either one or three, or both . However, this is entirely up to the person drafting the response.
I looked into either time or temperature or both , depending on which was going to be most beneficial for each experiment.
3. In Addition To
Next, we recommend using “in addition to.” This is a professional way to say “and/or” that removes the need for the slash.
This time, we recommend writing it in a formal email . You can include it in business deals when discussing options that might appeal to the recipient.
For the most part, this works when contacting a client .
It gives them a better way to understand what you’re offering to them. From there, they can decide whether you’re providing them with quality information or if they’d rather go elsewhere.
You may also review this email sample to learn a bit more about it:
Dear Ms. Dean, You can take the profits in addition to the projected earnings. If it suits you, it might be worth taking both into account before moving forward. Kind regards, Jonathan Bennett
Next, you can simplify things by using one word. And that one word is “both.”
“Both” is an inclusive word. It gives people two options to choose from, and it also often suggests they can choose both options.
Therefore, you can use something like this in legal writing . It’s a simplified and straightforward way to use “and/or” that removes the need to include the slash.
Most readers will prefer how streamlined this word choice is.
It also helps that it keeps things more professional when used in this way.
You may want to review these examples to learn a bit more about it:
We could look into both instances to figure out which is the most important factor here. It’s up to the jury.
It’s clear that both options were included, but the agency lies with the affected party to determine what they investigate.
Are you still confused about how to use “and/or” professionally ? It can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be!
That’s where “or” comes in.
Have you noticed how simple this synonym is? After all, we’ve removed “and” and the slash from the term.
Leaving “or” on its own gives you, as the writer, more options.
After all, “or” can be an inclusive or exclusive word.
But what does that mean?
Well, an inclusive “or” means you can choose one of two options, or both, if that’s better for you.
- You can choose either option or both.
However, an exclusive “or” means you’re given two options, but you must choose between them.
For instance:
- You can choose one or the other.
Since “or” is replacing “and/or” here, we recommend sticking to the inclusive sense of the word! This allows it to be more versatile and direct .
So, here are some examples showing you how to use “or” in more professional settings:
You can pick that one or this one. It’s up to you, and you may also choose them both if that’s more realistic.
They could choose between black or white. However, it’s possible that both options can be picked.
6. In Conjunction With
We want to return to an email context for a second. After all, this next synonym works really well in most formal email situations.
You can use “in conjunction with” as a formal way to say “and/or.”
It’s an excellent choice that keeps things professional and sincere .
So, you can use it when contacting an employee to give them an idea of some choices they might have to make moving forward.
Also, it’s worth reviewing the following email sample to find out how it works:
Dear Barry, You can refer to this in conjunction with the previous information I sent. However, it’s up to you to decide whether you’d like both pieces of information or only one. All the best, Rita Vaseline
7. One Of … or Both
You may also want to write “one of … or both.” Again, we’re using the ellipsis here to highlight that something should come after “one of.”
- One of this or that or both .
As you can see, “one of” is another way to say “either” that gives the reader an option between two things.
So, you can use something like this as a more professional and unique way to highlight that the reader has a choice.
Feel free to review these examples if you need a bit more help with it:
You can choose one of the following or both . However, your decision will be very important for what’s to come.
It’s clear that the choice lies between one of the two variables or both . I’m still trying to figure it out.
Finally, we recommend using “and” instead of “and/or.” Yes, it’s another useful synonym that helps to streamline your writing by removing one of the two words in “and/or.”
This time, we’re removing “or.”
You can use “and” on its own when giving someone two things to choose from.
It suggests that they can choose from two options, and it’s up to them to decide if they’re both good choices or if only one is relevant.
It works well in an essay . Also, it helps that it’s one of the most common words in English. So, it’s clearly quite a versatile choice!
Here are some essay samples to help you with it:
I had to choose between money and time, but I had the option to choose both if I played my cards right.
It’s clear that there were pictures and videos to choose from. However, I had to make the distinction clear.
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12 Best Words To Use Instead Of “So”
The word “so” has a surprising number of uses in English. However, it would help to know what better alternatives are out there that might make your writing a little more impressive to those who read it. This article will help you to learn some of the best ones!
What Are The Best Words To Use Instead Of “So”?
There are many different words we can use to replace “so.” You might be interested in trying one of the following:
- As a result
The preferred version is “therefore.” It works really well to replace “so” in many forms of writing, and it is most effective formally. There are many cases where “therefore” is the better version of “so,” so it would help to understand a little more about it.
“Therefore” is the best way to replace “so.” We can use it correctly when we want to show how something is impacted from a previous sentence. It’s best to start a new sentence with “therefore” when we want to use it.
These examples should help you understand it:
- They had to go earlier in the day. Therefore, the meeting was cut short.
- I needed more time to get them the money. Therefore, I had to pick up a few extra jobs on the weekend.
- He didn’t need to do it, but he thought it would be fun. Therefore, he picked up a nasty injury for his mistakes!
As A Result
“As a result” is a great way to replace “so” at the start of a sentence. It works well when we want to show how a direct result occurred due to the information from the previous sentence.
These examples will help you to make sense of it:
- We thought we had it all. As a result, we did not think twice about the new job offer before it was too late.
- I did not want to go there. As a result, I stayed at home and let everyone else have fun.
- I thought it was going to be more interesting. As a result, I fell asleep at the back of the hall!
“Because of” is one of the most common replacements of “so.” We can use it to show how something might have happened due to another event or situation.
Check out some of these examples to see how it works:
- I did not want them to be here on my birthday because of all the things I knew they had said about me before.
- I thought we could have seen eye to eye because of our common interests, but it turns out I was wrong.
- Because of the way you mishandled these boxes, all of the items inside have been destroyed.
“Due to” is another useful way for us to start a sentence. We can do this once we’ve already made a previous sentence or as part of the current sentence if we think it fits into the context.
Check out some of these examples:
- I did not think it was wise due to the lack of information we had about it.
- Due to what I heard from the other room, I think it’s best if I retire early!
- I thought they could get away with it due to the way they were talking with such confidence.
“Since” is a great way to start a sentence similarly to “so.” We use it when we want to show how something might have happened related to another incident. We do not typically need a previous sentence to link back to with “since.”
These examples should help you to understand it:
- Since no one told me any better, I took it upon myself to complete the project alone.
- Since you thought you could do this without me, I’ll take a seat over here and watch you struggle.
- Since I was not informed there would be a meeting; I’ll just return to my office.
“Thus” is a somewhat old-fashioned word we can use. However, many writers like to include it (especially in formal writing). It works really well when you want to show how two different sentences might have caused a similar outcome.
- I had to go to the hospital to check in on my mother. Thus, it was no surprise when they told me that she was worsening yesterday.
- You thought you had gotten the better of me. Thus, you let your guard down, which is when I attacked!
- I couldn’t bring myself to tell them about the atrocities I saw. Thus, I kept it to myself for as long as I could.
“In turn” works well when relating to a previous point. It helps to include it as part of a second sentence, which is a great way for us to show how two different sentences should interact with each other based on their effects.
Check out some of these examples to see how it looks:
- We did not think it was wise to tell you. In turn, we made the decision to keep it a secret that only we knew about.
- I wanted to do it, but I couldn’t! In turn, someone else got the chance, and now they’re being celebrated as the hero.
- You should have told me something sooner. In turn, I’ve already decided against your motion because you did not inform me!
“Following” is another useful way for us to continue our thought from the previous sentence or idea. We do not always need to start a new sentence related to the previous one with “following.” Sometimes the sentence can explain the idea itself.
Here are a few examples of what we mean:
- Following the discussion we had earlier, we think it’s appropriate that you should resign from your duties.
- I do not wish to cause you any more harm following the things that I heard you talk about while you thought I was away.
- Following the demands made by the criminal, we have no choice but to accept his bid to try and get the hostages back!
“To further” is an excellent way for us to continue a point from a previous sentence. This is a good synonym for “so” because it allows us to set up a new idea that’s somewhat related to the previous one (or the one we want to state in the current clause).
Here are some examples of how it can work:
- To further understand the problems associated with the dynamics, we have illustrated our project’s findings below.
- You should not have told her about those things. To further, I think you should go back to her and apologize for everything you said.
- I didn’t know it was going to be this way. To further, I think it would help if we all forgot this even occurred!
“As well” is another great” way to replace “so.” We can use it to show how something might happen additionally to the previous thing, which is another way that “so” can work in a sentence.
Here are a few ways we can make this one work:
- You should have seen their faces. As well, you would have noticed that no one knew what to do next.
- As well as the things I had discussed previously, it has been brought to my attention that you do not understand the assignment.
- As well as this is for us to discuss, I do not think it’s pertinent, and I think we’ll benefit more from dropping it.
“So” doesn’t always have to show how things happen in relation to something else. Sometimes, we might just use it to compare the size or effect of something. If you think about something being “so important,” you’ll see that it’s an emphasizer in this case.
“Very” works synonymously with “so” when used as an emphasizer. We can use it to increase the value of something or show that there’s more to it than we might have first realized.
Here are a few great examples that show you everything you need to know about it:
- It’s very important that we find the correct way to do this before we’re tested on it.
- It’s very strange that he wanted to come here on his day off, but I suppose we can’t judge him.
- You’re very boring, and I don’t think I can see us having much of an exciting future together.
“Extremely” is synonymous with “so” in the same way that “very” is. We can use it as another emphasizer. “Extremely” is much stronger than “very” in many cases, so you should only use it when something is the “most” of an adjective.
To help you understand what we mean, check out some of these examples:
- You are extremely drunk, and I think you should go home before you get yourself into any more trouble.
- I am extremely tired because my newborn won’t stop crying at night!
- You are extremely terrifying when you make that face, and I don’t think it’s wise for you to do it around the children!
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