And: Overview, definition, and example

What is and?

In a contract, the word “and” is a basic connector that joins two or more elements together—such as obligations, conditions, or listed items. While simple, it plays a precise role in legal writing: it means all listed items must apply or be true together.

Why is and important?

The word “and” can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. If a clause says a party must do A and B, then both are required. Confusing “and” with “or” (which allows one or the other) can lead to legal disputes, missed obligations, or unintended loopholes. Contracts rely on exact wording, so even small words like “and” carry real weight.

Understanding and through an example

Here’s how “and” might affect a contract in practice. A consulting agreement says: “The consultant shall provide weekly status reports and attend monthly planning meetings.”

This means the consultant must do both things—not just one. If the contract had said “or” instead, the consultant could choose to do only one of them, which could reduce accountability and cause issues with the client’s expectations.

Example of an and clause

Here’s how an example “and” clause may look like in a contract:

Conclusion

“And” may seem like a small word, but in contracts, it sets strict requirements. It means all connected items are expected, leaving no room for ambiguity. When reviewing a contract, pay close attention to whether it says “and” or “or”—the difference could change your responsibilities entirely.