Note the following.
|
Singular |
Plural |
| Criterion | Criteria |
| Memorandum | Memoranda |
| Datum | Data |
| Medium | Media |
| Syllabus | Syllabi |
| Radius | Radii |
| Appendix | Appendices |
| Index | Indices |
March 12, 2007 • 4:48 pm 0
Tricky Plurals
January 18, 2007 • 6:12 pm 0
Dangling Modifiers
A modifier is said to “dangle” when what it is modifying is unclear.
Consider this example:
When excavating these materials, the engineer needs to communicate the difficulties this material presents so that the contractor can select appropriate equipment.
The modifier is when excavating. The person doing the excavating should be the subject of the next phrase (in this case, the engineer). So literally, this means that when the engineer excavates the ground, she should tell the contractor what equipment to use. In reality, of course, the contractor will excavate the ground and he needs to know about the ground conditions long before he begins excavating.
One possible solution:
The engineer needs to communicate to the contractor the difficulties this material presents so that he can select appropriate equipment.
Another:
In excavations in difficult material, the engineer needs to communicate to the contractor the difficulties this material presents so that he can select appropriate equipment.
January 10, 2007 • 3:51 pm 0
Articles matter
When writing technical material, people are often tempted to leave out articles (the, a, an, some, any).
Mudmat is required on working invert of top heading and bench. Mudmat is optional on top heading invert if benching is carried along with top heading.
Imagine reading an entire report written like this. Besides being incorrect usage, it conveys an impression of haste or impatience. It can also be difficult for a reader to understand.
Articles are a necessary part of our language. The definite article the is used when you are referring to a specific noun. Indefinite articles (a, an, some, any) are used to refer to non-specific nouns.
Please bring me the book from the table.
Please bring me a book from the library.
Filed under: Articles (A An The), Grammar
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