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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Usage of and/or

Please check the usage of following words "a valid value (singular) in the machine serial # and/or location fields" in the sentence.

I know we should avoid and/or in a sentence but we use it and therefore please provide your inputs in the following sentence:

  • It is recommended that you enter a valid value in the Machine Serial # and/or the Location fields.
  

Top answer

Yes, the sentence works, although I might not capitalize Machine Serial or Location. But do you really mean "and/or"? Are you giving instructions to cover either of two situtations?

— Doctor D

  • Yes, the sentence works, although I might not capitalize Machine Serial or Location.
  • But do you really mean "and/or"?
  • Are you giving instructions to cover either of two situtations?
  • One where both fields must be filled in and one where either the location or the machine serial number will be asked for (but not both)?
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4 Answers
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Yes, the sentence works, although I might not capitalize Machine Serial or Location. But do you really mean "and/or"? Are you giving instructions to cover either of two situtations? One where both fields must be filled in and one where either the location or the machine serial number will be asked for (but not both)?
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These are fields, the user is recommended to either enter values in both the fields or atleast in one of them.
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  • The total number of fields is unclear (partly because of the octothorpe, I think); it would be much clearer if you repeated the noun:


  • It is recommended that you enter a valid value in the Machine serial # field and/or the Location field.
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    X and/or Y = only X or only Y or both X and Y.

    Put a valid value in the Machine field and/or the Location field.
    =
    Put
    a valid value only in the Machine field
    or
    a valid value only in the Location field
    or
    both
    a valid value in the Machine field
    and
    a valid value in the Location field.
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