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Should I use and / or
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Hongkie  #545262  Wed, 23 Jul 08 03:49 AM
Please tell me whether the following sentences are correct or not.

1. I dont want to see Mary, John and Peter. (I dont wnat to see the three of them   at the same time.)
2. I dont want to see Mary, John or Peter. (I dont what to see any one of them.)
3. Avoid eating fish, beef or pork.       What does this mean?
4. Avoid eating fish, beef and pork.     What does this mean?

Thank you.
  
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Marius Hancu  #545267  Wed, 23 Jul 08 04:01 AM
Language is not algebra.

The fact that you're using "and" or "or" doesn't really clarify the things. You must be explicit: 

 I dont want to see all of Mary, John and Peter at the same time.

 I dont want to see any of Mary, John and Peter (at any time).

 
  
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