1. Christine Cholette

    Christine Cholette Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2013
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    5
    Location:
    Canada

    Protagonist thoughts and using 'and/or'

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Christine Cholette, Jul 13, 2015.

    I have the following sentence: 'Having recently evaded a prison sentence and/or imminent death, Jim finds that the...'

    And basically, I am wondering what is the preferred way to articulate and/or. Should I restructure the sentence entirely and avoid using and-slash-or altogether.

    Thoughts welcome.
     
  2. Stacy C

    Stacy C Banned

    Joined:
    May 3, 2015
    Messages:
    272
    Likes Received:
    127
    Location:
    Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
    I would rewrite it. I've never been crazy about the 'having done so-and-so' construction anyway, and if you leave it as is, just 'or' would make more sense to me. If he suffered imminent death, he couldn't also serve a prison sentence.
     
  3. Christine Cholette

    Christine Cholette Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2013
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    5
    Location:
    Canada
    The 'and' portion implying that if he did end up in jail, he would have been killed inside. But yeah, I'll reword it. I've come across this before in dialogue though as well and I'd be lest likely to change it there. Mainly because I even catch myself saying it here and there and I've wondered what the best way to write it would be.
     
  4. Sack-a-Doo!

    Sack-a-Doo! Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2015
    Messages:
    2,403
    Likes Received:
    1,647
    Location:
    [unspecified]
    ...a prison sentence or imminent death, maybe both...
     
    Christine Cholette likes this.
  5. Christine Cholette

    Christine Cholette Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2013
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    5
    Location:
    Canada
    I like it! Thanks
     
    Sack-a-Doo! likes this.
  6. Sack-a-Doo!

    Sack-a-Doo! Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2015
    Messages:
    2,403
    Likes Received:
    1,647
    Location:
    [unspecified]
    You are entirely welcome. :)
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice