Guide to English grammar

The man and the woman were waiting.
The man, the woman and the child were waiting.
Wednesday or Thursday would be all right.
Wednesday, Thursday or Friday would be all right.

2 We can use and/or with other kinds of words and phrases.

It was a cold and windy day. (adjective)
He waited fifteen or twenty minutes. (number)
The work went smoothly, quietly and very efficiently. (adverb phrase)

A practical guide to English grammar 14

NOTE

1. 
   We can use two adjectives together without a linking word, e.g. a cold, windy day. • 202
   
2. 
   We can use two complements or two adverbials with and/or even if they are different kinds of phrase, such as an adjective and noun phrase.
   

The book has become famous and a best-seller.
We can meet here or in town.
The hotel was quiet and well back from the road.

3 Compare these two sentences.
He stole a hat and a coat.
He stole a hat and coat.
In the first sentence and links two noun phrases (a hat, a coat); in the second it links two nouns (hat, coat). The second sentence suggests that there is a link between the two items, which they belong together.
He stole a hat and a typewriter. (not linked)
He stole a cup and saucer. (belonging together)

NOTE
And, or (and but) can link verb phrases and also whole clauses. • 243

For or in questions, • 31.


14 Phrases in apposition

Two noun phrases are in apposition when one comes after the other and both refer to the same thing. When the second phrase adds extra information, we use a comma. When the second phrase identifies the first one, we do not use a comma.
Everyone visits the White House, the home of the President.
Joseph Conrad, the famous English novelist, couldn't speak English until he was47.