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Business & Technical Writing/Parentheses to combine singular and plural forms

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Expert: - 7/6/2007


Question
I frequently see singular and plural forms combined into one word using parentheses, usually with associated verbs conjoined by a slash; for example, the dog(s) was/were running.  I've always considered this bad style, but I haven't been able to find a good reference to show others.  Can you help, or at least set me straight if I'm wrong?  Thanks.

Answer
I agree with you but don't have a source either. I generally object to the use of a slash instead of a conjunction in a sentence. In the example you give, is the writer unable to discern whether there was one or more dogs? Why would this situation arise?

Also in this regard, "and/or" is an abomination that only demonstrates the writer is ignorant of the distinction between "and" and "or" and of the actual meaning of "or," which is not an exclusive term. It will be helpful to recall that mathematics has a unique symbol for "exclusive or."

Hope this helps.

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Dan Smith

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I have been a professional writer and editor for more than 30 years, taught speech and English composition at the university level, and have developed speech and English composition courses and seminars for businesses. I am experienced in editing a wide variety of materials, especially business, scientific, and other academic papers. I am familiar with all the major style guides.

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I have edited any number of graduate papers and other technical materials in such advanced fields as clinical psychology, civil and electrical engineering, and semiconductor fabrication. I have extensive experience in working with non-native English speakers.

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