I want to say that it's possible that at least one of {A,B} is true, and possibly both of them are true. Is it correct to phrase it as "either A, or B, or both are true".
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[on hold] the question is a dupe of english.stackexchange.com/questions/13889/…– user51029Sep 20, 2013 at 22:47
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1I don't agree - I think it's covered rather in the 'Either vs. among' thread at english.stackexchange.com/questions/59148/either-vs-among (where tchrist and FumbleFingers point out that 'either' may be used when there are more than two alternatives).– Edwin AshworthSep 20, 2013 at 23:11
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1Either or both of A and B are true.– tchrist ♦Sep 21, 2013 at 1:05
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1I think this is perfectly acceptable, and less confusing than some of the alternatives proposed.– Kaiser OctaviusSep 21, 2013 at 1:47
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5 Answers
Mathematical logic speaks of an exclusive-OR and an inclusive-OR. Typically parents offer exclusive-OR choices to their children. ("You can have either cake or ice cream"; "...but not both" is implied.) You can say "Either a or b, but not both" to clarify an exclusive-OR, or "Either a or b, or both" to clarify an inclusive-OR. The "but not both" or "or both" in a sense wraps around the whole "either a or b" part.
Typically you would list them in order with commas and leave off "or" until the last item, as in:
"either A, B or both are true"
Keep in mind that there are those who prefer a comma after B as well:
"either A, B, or both are true"
answered Sep 20, 2013 at 22:51
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2Either is typically reserved for two options. Some people will object to using it for three, as in your examples. (Whether or not they have a point, is a separate issue, it's just something to be aware of.) Sep 22, 2013 at 12:44
Since "or" is neither logically or commonly exclusive, "A or B" expresses exactly what you're aiming for. If you're getting into troubles about clarity I would suggest rephrasing the particular sentence in a way that leaves no doubt:
Maybe I will open the door to my right or my left
could translate to
I might open any of those doors
Usually just "A or B" implies what you want, but if you want to clarify that meaning is not exclusive, you can use and/or.
The multiple form would be: 'Any or all of A and B are true.'
