August 7, 2003: Issue 65
SIM STYLE: If I use an ampersand (&) to replace the word “and” in a series, do I still use the serial comma?
No. The two marks appear awkward together.
incorrect: Style, News, & Inspiration
correct: Style, News & Inspiration
Note: An ampersand should be used only in display type, usually headlines or cover blurbs, for visual appeal. In all other uses, the word “and” is most often appropriately written out.
GRAMMAR: Is it correct to specify a range, then add “or more”?
No. Any time we give a range, it should be considered all-encompassing. Usually when we see this construction, it’s with prices or temperatures, where we intend to give a typical range yet indicate the value may sometimes go higher.
example: The widgets cost $20-$40 or more.
The problem with this construction is that the “or more” makes the upper boundary indefinite, rendering the numbers themselves meaningless. A tweak in the wording, to offer either slightly less or slightly more information, is usually all it takes to fix the problem.
correct: A typical widget costs $20-$40.
correct: Most widgets cost $20-$40, but some can cost as much as $100.
I tend to prefer the “slightly less information” tack. Even the least savvy consumers know that just because they can pick up a toilet seat at Home Depot for $25 doesn’t mean J.Lo and Ben aren’t going to drop $100,000 for a diamond-encrusted model. The sky is almost always the limit, and there’s usually not much to be gained by pointing that out.
Back to Style on the Go Archive
Back to BHG Stylebook Table of Contents