The document discusses various ways to avoid ambiguity and vagueness in writing. It provides examples of ambiguous sentences and rewrites them in a clearer way. Some of the areas covered include using "which" and "that" correctly, placing the subject near the verb, replacing "-ing" forms with active verbs, and proper use of articles like "a", "an", and "the". The overall goal is to help writers construct sentences that have only one unambiguous interpretation.
Research papers are of different types and it is important to define one before you are starting the work on your document. This presentation will help you to understand the most common types of research papers. Get more tips here:
https://essay-academy.com/account/blog/types-of-research-papers
Research papers are of different types and it is important to define one before you are starting the work on your document. This presentation will help you to understand the most common types of research papers. Get more tips here:
https://essay-academy.com/account/blog/types-of-research-papers
How to write a research paper: How to write a research paper?
The research paper can be considered as the living thing which grows and changes as the student explores, interprets and evaluates sources related to a specific topic. Steps to write a research paper:
• Choose your topic.
• Begin your search.
• Making an outline.
• Write your paper.
Paraphrasing is a restatement of the meaning of a text using other words (instead of original words) Summarizing means taking the main ideas from a text and rewriting them in your own words in a brief manner.
This slideshow is designed to help students write introductions and conclusions for their formal research papers.
For a slideshow with active links: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sPJVJbo79DBisUGhtUCyIwE9unfyxZN4aN6EMlv-eag/edit?usp=sharing
IN THIS Presentation will see:
1- WHAT IS AN ABSTRACT
2- FOR WHAT PURPOSES
3- DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABSTRACT
4- WHAT TO INCLUDE
5- WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE
6- SOME EXAMPLES
Exploiting rules for resolving ambiguity in marathi language texteSAT Journals
Abstract
Natural language ambiguity is a situation involving some words having multiple meanings/senses. This paper discusses natural
language ambiguity and its types. Further we propose a knowledge based solution to resolve various types of ambiguity occurring
in Marathi language text. The task of resolving semantic and lexical ambiguity occurring in words to obtain the actual sense is
referred as Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD). Marathi language is the official and commonly spoken language of Maharashtra
state in India. Plenty of words in Marathi are spelled same as well as uttered same but are semantically (meaning-wise/ sensewise)
different. During the automatic translation, these words lead to ambiguity. Our method successfully removes the ambiguity
by identifying the correct sense of the given text from the predefined possible senses available in Marathi Wordnet using word and
sentence rules. The method is applicable only for word level ambiguity. Structural ambiguity is not handled by this system. This
system may be successfully used as a subsystem in other Natural Language Processing (NLP) applications.
Key Words: Word Sense Disambiguation, Natural Language Processing, Marathi, Marathi Wordnet, ambiguity,
knowledge based
How to write a research paper: How to write a research paper?
The research paper can be considered as the living thing which grows and changes as the student explores, interprets and evaluates sources related to a specific topic. Steps to write a research paper:
• Choose your topic.
• Begin your search.
• Making an outline.
• Write your paper.
Paraphrasing is a restatement of the meaning of a text using other words (instead of original words) Summarizing means taking the main ideas from a text and rewriting them in your own words in a brief manner.
This slideshow is designed to help students write introductions and conclusions for their formal research papers.
For a slideshow with active links: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1sPJVJbo79DBisUGhtUCyIwE9unfyxZN4aN6EMlv-eag/edit?usp=sharing
IN THIS Presentation will see:
1- WHAT IS AN ABSTRACT
2- FOR WHAT PURPOSES
3- DIFFERENT TYPES OF ABSTRACT
4- WHAT TO INCLUDE
5- WHAT NOT TO INCLUDE
6- SOME EXAMPLES
Exploiting rules for resolving ambiguity in marathi language texteSAT Journals
Abstract
Natural language ambiguity is a situation involving some words having multiple meanings/senses. This paper discusses natural
language ambiguity and its types. Further we propose a knowledge based solution to resolve various types of ambiguity occurring
in Marathi language text. The task of resolving semantic and lexical ambiguity occurring in words to obtain the actual sense is
referred as Word Sense Disambiguation (WSD). Marathi language is the official and commonly spoken language of Maharashtra
state in India. Plenty of words in Marathi are spelled same as well as uttered same but are semantically (meaning-wise/ sensewise)
different. During the automatic translation, these words lead to ambiguity. Our method successfully removes the ambiguity
by identifying the correct sense of the given text from the predefined possible senses available in Marathi Wordnet using word and
sentence rules. The method is applicable only for word level ambiguity. Structural ambiguity is not handled by this system. This
system may be successfully used as a subsystem in other Natural Language Processing (NLP) applications.
Key Words: Word Sense Disambiguation, Natural Language Processing, Marathi, Marathi Wordnet, ambiguity,
knowledge based
A talk comprised of various threads of thought from various Smithery projects across the last eighteen months, given at the open house at Loft Digital as part of London Technology Week. Starts with some conceptual thinking, ends with some examples and approaches for you to try at home...
Natural Language Ambiguity and its Effect on Machine LearningIJMER
"Natural language processing" here refers to the use and ability of systems to process
sentences in a natural language such as English, rather than in a specialized artificial computer
language such as C++. The systems of real interest here are digital computers of the type we think of as
personal computers and mainframes. Of course humans can process natural languages, but for us the
question is whether digital computers can or ever will process natural languages. We have tried to
explore in depth and break down the types of ambiguities persistent throughout the natural languages
and provide an answer to the question “How it affects the machine translation process and thereby
machine learning as whole?” .
WRITING TIPS 1. Start your writing by making an outline of what .docxambersalomon88660
WRITING TIPS
1. Start your writing by making an outline of what you want to say. Your paper should include an introduction, body, and conclusion. Basically, you say what you are going to say, you say it, and then you say what you said. Following an outline will help you stay on track and help your paper flow better.
2. Try to avoid beginning a sentence with this, that, these, or those. Pronouns confuse the reader unless the referent for each pronoun is obvious.
3. Refrain from using first and second person pronouns in a research paper (I, you, me). For example, if you write “When you talk about …..” Are you referring to me? Or you? Don't write like you are talking to me. Just rephrase and leave out pronouns. The use of pronouns makes your paper seem more subjective and less credible to the reader.
4. An organization is referred to as "it," not "they." Corporation and board are collective nouns, meaning they are nouns that describe a group, just like orchestra, team, and family. Collective nouns are usually treated as singular. It would be silly to refer to the corporation as he or she, so the only singular pronoun that remains is it. Example: Google addresses this problem by ensuring that 100% of the servers it retires are either reused or recycle.
5. Normally, the words because and is are not preceded by a comma. Here is an example of INCORRECT usage: “Good customer service is a strength, because the environment is highly competitive.” What follows the word "because" is essential to the sentence and should not have a comma before it.
6. Normally, you use a comma before the word which. Ex:Christmas is coming, which is my favorite holiday. Which introduces a nonrestrictive clause. If the clause is restrictive, use the word that and do not include a comma.
7. Do not use a comma before a conjunction (and, but, nor, for, yet) unless the phrase following is an independent clause (one that can stand alone as a complete sentence).
a. I am registered for next term, and the one after that. (WRONG)
b. The store sells clothes for teens, and young adults. (WRONG)
c. I am registered for next term, and I am excited about my classes. (CORRECT)
8. If you have two independent clauses joined by a conjunction, but the second independent clause has a comma in it, use a semicolon before the conjunction. Example: We have ten cats; and I love them all including Skip, John, and Alley.
9. Use a semi-colon to join two independent clauses. Joining two independent clauses this way implies that the two clauses are related and/or equal, or perhaps that one restates the other. Example: Seinfeldwas definitely my favorite television show during the 1990s; in fact, it is my favorite television show of all time.
10. When starting a sentence with a transition (however, therefore, otherwise, etc.), follow the transitional word with a comma. If the word interrupts a sentence, use a comma before and after. Ex: The game, however, was far from .
Changing the Discussion Settings in LEOThe following instructi.docxsleeperharwell
Changing the Discussion Settings in LEO
The following instructions show how you should set up your discussion settings in LEO.
1. You should click on discussions.
2. Then you want to click on settings.
3. The interface looks like this
4. The next step is to change some settings. Look at this next picture.
5. Did you see what we just changed? Good!
6. Want to know the next step? Here it is!
7. I hope you see that two settings have now been changed. Examine the pictures closely to see what has been changed. It’s important.
8. Clicking save will save these settings.
9. Now, click on any particular discussion, and you will see how the changes change the interface. For example, you could click on student introductions, as the screen capture below indicates:
10. Take a look. Cool, eh?!?
11. And more cool features are shown in the next picture.
I hope this helps.
This course is concerned with the basic understanding of probability and it's applications. The goal is to learn and you get back what you put in. Briefly state the question and use the Equation Editor to present all equations clearly. Answer any 2 questions.
For probability questions, define events as:
A: drawing a 10♣
B: drawing a 9♥
P(A&B) = P(A)P(B|A) = ??
Special Exercises (1to 5)
1. What is the probability of drawing at random the 4♥ and the 9♣ from a deck of cards on two successive draws? Use Insert/Insert symbol to get the heart, club, diamond, spade symbol by selecting the drop down menu to the left of Paragraph. Also, click on the drop down menu next to the Black Square icon in the menu of the Editor to change colors of the characters.
2. 18 people were poled and 10 said they have shopped at Wal-Mart and 8 said they have shopped at Target. 4 said they shopped at both. What is the probability that the group shopped at Wal-Mart or Target?.
3. Define independent and mutually exclusive events mathematically by using P(A) & P(B) for events A & B.
4. What is the probability of randomly drawing a 10 or a ♦ from a deck of cards?
5. What are the total possible outcomes of rolling a pair of dice? Note that the pair 3,4 is not the same as the pair 4,3. What is the probability of rolling a 7 with a pair of dice? P(7) = No. of successful outcomes/Total No. of outcomes
In questions 1,2,4, begin by clearly defining events A & B as shown below.
For example, A: 4♥ and B: 9♣. State P(A)=??, P(B)=?? and then apply the appropriate equations , such as
P(A&B) = P(A)P(B|A) or P(AorB) = P(A)+P(B)-P(A&B)
Substitute values and compute the answer. I urge you to read the attachments in the Videos-Topics In Stat 230/Probability Rules.
I prefer to use P(A&B) or P(AorB) instead of P(A∩B) or P(A∪B). You will see the latter on the final so be sure you know what the "∩" and "U" symbols mean.
COMPLEMENTARY EVENTS & Try It 3.19 in Illowsky
Complement_&_Rule.swf
The complement of an event A is the event A does not occur. The complement of event A is den.
Part 1 of a 2-day workshop to introduce style in technical communication. Presented to beginning students of technical communication on December 1, 2009 at Kyung Hee University in Suwon, South Korea.
This presentation will definately assist you in using Transition Words in your essays. For more details please visit the website https://essay-academy.com/account/blog/essay-transitions
You have now explored in a practical way a number of different aspects of language and learning, including the difference between implicit and explicit knowledge of rules, rule discovery, the grammar of spoken and written English, phonology, and linguistic and communicative competence. I now want to turn to the significance of grammatical and communicative contexts for understanding words and grammatical structures. For example, in this unit you will study not only the grammar of the passive, but also the contexts in which it is used.
The unit begins with a look at what we can find out about a word in a dictionary and includes an activity to test your knowledge of grammar terminology. It finishes with a look at some of the reasons why words and patterns change over time and the question of what we consider to be 'correct' modern English.
Dictionaries can give teachers and learners an overall view of a word, with information about its many different aspects. So it's a good idea to get to enjoy using dictionaries. I'm therefore starting this unit with an activity to test your knowledge of what a dictionary can tell you about a word.
1. What information might a dictionary give about a word you look up (for example, its pronunciation)? Make a note of your ideas.
2. Now look up the word kneel in a dictionary and see what information is given. Summarize what you found.
Comment
1. Dictionaries can tell you about a word's:
pronunciation (including where the stress lies)
meaning(s)
word class(es)
different forms (for example past tense, plural)
usage
origin.
2. You could have found the following information about kneel:
how it is pronounced
that it is a verb
that it is intransitive (see below)
that it has alternative past tense forms: knelt or kneeled
that kneeled is used particularly in the United States
that kneel down is a phrasal verb
that it means fall or rest on the knees or a knee
that it comes from an old English word, cneowlian.
In a dictionary like Cobuild or The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, you will also find examples showing you how the word can be used: for example, He kneels beside the girl or Lottie knelt down to pray. We are also given the -ing form of the verb and an example: The kneeling figure was Mary Darling.
Transitive and intransitive verbs
A dictionary always tells you whether a verb is transitive or intransitive, that is, whether it can be followed by an object or not.
The verb 'lost' is transitive because we can put a noun after it. The verb yawned is intransitive because we can't put a noun after it.
Active and passive sentences
Sentences in English are either active or passive. Teachers of English need to understand the grammar of each of them and to be clear under what circumstances it is appropriate to use either the passive or the active. Let's start with the grammar.
Source: https://ebookschoice.com/words-and-their-context/
This slide is special for master students (MIBS & MIFB) in UUM. Also useful for readers who are interested in the topic of contemporary Islamic banking.
MATATAG CURRICULUM: ASSESSING THE READINESS OF ELEM. PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS I...NelTorrente
In this research, it concludes that while the readiness of teachers in Caloocan City to implement the MATATAG Curriculum is generally positive, targeted efforts in professional development, resource distribution, support networks, and comprehensive preparation can address the existing gaps and ensure successful curriculum implementation.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Acetabularia Information For Class 9 .docxvaibhavrinwa19
Acetabularia acetabulum is a single-celled green alga that in its vegetative state is morphologically differentiated into a basal rhizoid and an axially elongated stalk, which bears whorls of branching hairs. The single diploid nucleus resides in the rhizoid.
Safalta Digital marketing institute in Noida, provide complete applications that encompass a huge range of virtual advertising and marketing additives, which includes search engine optimization, virtual communication advertising, pay-per-click on marketing, content material advertising, internet analytics, and greater. These university courses are designed for students who possess a comprehensive understanding of virtual marketing strategies and attributes.Safalta Digital Marketing Institute in Noida is a first choice for young individuals or students who are looking to start their careers in the field of digital advertising. The institute gives specialized courses designed and certification.
for beginners, providing thorough training in areas such as SEO, digital communication marketing, and PPC training in Noida. After finishing the program, students receive the certifications recognised by top different universitie, setting a strong foundation for a successful career in digital marketing.
Thinking of getting a dog? Be aware that breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds can be loyal and dangerous. Proper training and socialization are crucial to preventing aggressive behaviors. Ensure safety by understanding their needs and always supervising interactions. Stay safe, and enjoy your furry friends!
How to Add Chatter in the odoo 17 ERP ModuleCeline George
In Odoo, the chatter is like a chat tool that helps you work together on records. You can leave notes and track things, making it easier to talk with your team and partners. Inside chatter, all communication history, activity, and changes will be displayed.
it describes the bony anatomy including the femoral head , acetabulum, labrum . also discusses the capsule , ligaments . muscle that act on the hip joint and the range of motion are outlined. factors affecting hip joint stability and weight transmission through the joint are summarized.
Delivering Micro-Credentials in Technical and Vocational Education and TrainingAG2 Design
Explore how micro-credentials are transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with this comprehensive slide deck. Discover what micro-credentials are, their importance in TVET, the advantages they offer, and the insights from industry experts. Additionally, learn about the top software applications available for creating and managing micro-credentials. This presentation also includes valuable resources and a discussion on the future of these specialised certifications.
For more detailed information on delivering micro-credentials in TVET, visit this https://tvettrainer.com/delivering-micro-credentials-in-tvet/
3. Means :
Ambiguity
Ambiguous : when more than one plausible
interpretation (Ambi = two)
Comes with two flavors
4. Which / who vs.
that
In scientific English, which and that have different uses
Examples ‘which’ and ‘that’ :
S1. *Correct the sentences below which contain grammatical mistakes.
S1 mean (i) that all the sentences contain grammatical mistakes, or (ii) that you should
correct only those sentences that contain mistakes?
If all the sentences contain mistakes, S1 should be rewritten as S2. If only some
sentences contain mistakes, S1 should be rewritten as S3.
S2. Correct the sentences below, which contain grammatical mistakes.
S3. Correct the sentences below that contain grammatical mistakes.
Rule :
1) if simply add extra information you are simply adding extra information (S2)
then use which (things) or who (people) preceded by a comma (,).
2) If you are defining the previous noun then use that. Given that not many people are
aware of this distinction, it is probably better to rewrite the sentences more explicitly.
Thus S2 and S3, become S4 and S5, respectively.
S4. Correct the sentences below, all of which contain grammatical mistakes.
S5. Correct only those sentences below that contain grammatical mistakes.
5. Cont. Which / who
vs. that
Example ‘which’ and ‘who’ which should help to clarify the difference between
adding extra information (S6) and making a definition (S7).
S6. My sister, who lives in Paris, is a researcher.
S7. My sister that lives in Paris is a researcher.
S6 contained between the two commas is not essential. It’s tell the reader that ‘I
have only one sister and she is a researcher ‘- the fact that she lives in Paris is just
additional information
S7 I am giving very different information. I am telling you that I have more than
one sister, and that the sister that lives in Paris is a researcher. Perhaps my other
sister is a doctor and I am using Paris to distinguish between my two
sisters.
Author not using ‘which’ or ‘that’ S8 would not be considered correct English by
most language experts.
S8. * This is followed by a characterization of the states poorly represented at
atmospheric pressure.
S8 disambiguated
S9. This is followed by a characterization of the states, which are poorly
represented at atmospheric pressure. (non-defining)
S10. This is followed by a characterization of all those states that are poorly
represented at atmospheric pressure. (defining)
6. which, that and
who
should only refer to the noun that immediately precedes them.
S1. *A group of patients was compiled using this procedure, as proposed by
Smith & Jones [2010], who had died under surgery.
S1 gives impression that Smith & Jones died under surgery! This ambiguity arises
because the subject (patients) has been separated from its verb (had died) by a
subordinate clause (as proposed …). The solution is to keep the subject and verb
as close as possible to each other.
S2. A group of patients who had died under surgery was compiled using this
procedure, as proposed by Smith and Jones [2010].
S3. Each scheduling service is characterized by a mandatory set of QoS
parameters, as reported in Table 1, which describes the guarantees of the
applications. (similar examples but less dramatic and less open to ambiguity)
S4. Each scheduling service is characterized by a mandatory set of QoS
parameters, as reported in Table 1. This set describes the guarantees of the
applications. (more clearly)
7. -ing form vs. that
Author sometime use -ing form in what is effectively a relative clause
that begins with that, which or who
S1. Those students wishing to participate in the call for papers
should contact …
S2. The professor giving the keynote speech at the conference is
from Togo.
S1 could be rewritten as students that / who wish, and S2 the professor
that / who is giving. However, there is no possible ambiguity because the
-ing form comes immediately after the noun it refers to.
S3. * Professor Rossi teaches the students having a good level of
English. (S3 it is not clear who has the good level of English: the
students or Prof. Rossi.)
S4. Professor Rossi teaches the students that have a good level of
English. (students that have good English)
S5. Professor Rossi teaches the students since he has a good level of
English. (change the structure of the sentence and use since,
because or something similar.)
8. - ing form vs.
Subject + verb
Clear unambiguous writing, verbs should be immediately preceded by
their subject
S1. * If you take your young daughter in the car, don’t let her put her
head out of the window while driving. (initially seems that driving refers
to the young daughter coz the person located in the phrase nearest to
the word driving)
S2. * After consuming twenty bottles of wine, the conference chair
presented the awards to the fifty best PhD students. (seems like
conference chairperson consumed 20 bottles of wine, where as
presumably it was the students who did the drinking.)
Sentences should be rewritten:
S3. If you take your young daughter in the car, don’t let her put her head
out of the window while you are driving.
S4. After the fifty best PhD students had consumed twenty bottles of
wine, the conference chair presented them with the awards.
-ing form has been replaced with an active form of the verb (are driving, had
consumed) preceded by the subject (you, students). If use an active form
you will be forced to use a subject and this will make your writing clearer.
9. Cont. - ing form vs.
subject + verb
* S5. * We cannot understand how psocoptera survive by reading
books alone. Instead we need to…
(is an initial ambiguity as the order of words makes it seems that psocoptera
read books!)
rephrase the sentence by putting the -ing form at the beginning, the
true meaning is a little clearer
S6. By reading books alone, we cannot understand how psocoptera
survive. Instead we need to …
clearest way is to avoid the -ing form completely and replace it with a
subject + verb construction
S7. If we only read books, we cannot understand how psocoptera
survive. Instead we need to …
beginning a sentence with the -ing form can be dangerous, because
the reader doesn’t know who or what is carrying out the activity
introduced by the –ing form.
10. Cont. - ing form vs.
subject + verb
S8. *By sitting and watching too much television, our muscles
become weaker.
initially seems that the muscles are watching television, though
this is clearly absurd. The solution is to put a subject (we) in
front of the verb, as in S9.
S9. When we sit and watch too much television, our muscles
become weaker.
11. - ing form with
by and thus
S1. * This will improve performance keeping clients satisfied.
S1 mean: (a) the way to improve performance is if clients are kept
satisfied? (b) as a consequence of improving performance clients will be
satisfied?
show the true meaning if, before the –ing form, we insert thus or by
S2. This will improve performance thus keeping clients satisfied.
S3. This will improve performance by keeping clients satisfied.
S2 means that if clients are satisfied, performance will improve – thus
means as a consequence. S3 client satisfaction depends on performance –
by indicates how something is done.
simply to break up the sentence or use and
S4. This will improve performance and clients will (thus) be satisfied.
It can be disambiguated as in S6 and S7, both of which have the same
meaning.
S6. … raised prices. This consequently / subsequently caused inflation.
S7. … raised prices and so / thus caused inflation.
12. It is best to replace the –ing form with and when you are simply
giving additional information. Thus S9 is clearer than S8.
S8. * This section focuses on the reasons for selecting these
parameters, trying to explain the background to these choices.
S9. This document focuses on the reasons for selecting these
parameters, and tries to explain the background to these
choices.
the difference between these three sentences
S10. To burn CDs you just need some software. (means If you want to /
If your aim is to)
S11. Burning CDs now takes only a few seconds. (refers to the activity
of burning CDs)
S12. By burning CDs we deprive artists of royalties. (means If we burn
CDs we will deprive artists of royalties.)
Cont. - ing form with
by and thus
13. a, one and the
in scientific English, mistakes with article do not usually have
serious consequences. For example:
S1. * The ambiguity is one characteristic of English
language. (very poor English, but the meaning is clear)
S2. Ambiguity is a characteristic of the English language.
(better version)
three mistakes in S1
1) General (no article) vs. specific (article must be used)
2) A / An (indefinite article) vs. one (number)
one characteristic this sentence the main topic is ambiguity and not
the number of characteristics.
Languages – the English we refer to the people and not the
language.
14. Cont. a, one
and the
S3. A researcher spends many days in the lab.
(talking about a generic researcher, who we have not mentioned before.)
S4. Researchers spend many days in the lab.
(same meaning as S3, it means ‘all researchers’, so the non use of the is
correct)
S5. The researcher spends many days in the lab.
(indicates that the researcher has already been mentioned before and that the
reader knows which researcher we are talking about)
S6. The researchers spend many days in the lab.
(talking about more than one researcher)
S7. We made one experiment before the equipment exploded.
(imply that we had planned a series of experiments (at least two), but that these
were interrupted by the explosion)
S8. We made an experiment before the equipment exploded.
(no such series is implied)
15. Uncountable
nouns
Spinach leaves can be clearly separated and counted, but when cooked they become
one big mass. You cannot clearly and easily identify cooked spinach as separate
parts - so you cannot say these spinaches taste very good, but only this spinach
tastes very good. Similarly, you can count cars but not traffic, steps forward but not
progress, comments but not feedback.
16. Cont. Uncountable
nouns
when an uncountable noun is referred to in a later phrase with
a plural pronoun (they, these, those) or adjective (many, few) it
can create confusion for readers.
S1. Such feedbacks are vital when analyzing the queries. At
subsequent stages in the procedure, for instance after steps 3
and 4, they are also useful for assessing …
S2. Such feedbacks are vital when analyzing the queries. At
subsequent stages in the procedure, for instance after steps 3
and 4, many of them are also useful for assessing …
feedback is uncountable, so it has no plural form.
Not Correct
English
17. Cont. Uncountable
nouns
Revised versions of S1 & S2
S3. Such feedback is vital when … At subsequent stages it is also
useful for …
S4. Such feedback is vital when … At subsequent stages much of
it is also useful for …
the best solution is to repeat the noun
S5. Such feedback is vital when … At subsequent stages (a lot of)
this feedback is also …
19. Pronouns
Some sentences that would not be ambiguous in your language
may become ambiguous in English. For example:
S1. I put the book in the car and then I left it there all day.
S2. I put the book in the car and then I left the book there all day.
(not very elegant, but it is much clearer for your reader and is not considered
bad style in technical English.)
they refer to all three locations, to Canada and the Netherlands, or
just to the Canaries?
S3. We could go to Australia, Canada or the Netherlands, but
they are a long way from here.
20. Cont. Pronouns
To avoid misunderstandings, be more specific:
S1. Australia, Canada or the Netherlands, all of which are a long
way from here.
S5. Australia, Canada or the Netherlands. But Canada and the
Netherlands are a long way from here.
S6 Australia, Canada or the Netherlands. But the Netherlands are a
long way from here.
S7. * No user names or passwords are required, unless the system
administrator decides that one is necessary. … decides that this is
necessary. … decides that these are necessary. (what do one / this /
these refer to? (a) user names (b) passwords?)
Interpretations (a) and (b) are much clearer rewritten as in S8 and S9
S8. … unless the system administrator decides that a user name is
necessary.
S9… unless the system administrator decides that a password is
necessary.
21. Referring backwards: the
former, the latter
S1. Africa has a greater population than the combined
populations of Russia, Canada and the United States. In the
latter the population is only …
S1 does the latter refer just to the US alone, or to the US and
Canada? The simplest and clearest solution is to replace the
latter with the exact word or words it refers to. This gives:
S2 Africa has a greater population than the combined
populations of Russia, Canada and the United States. In the
USA the population is only …
S3. Africa has a greater population than the combined
populations of Russia, Canada and the United States. In
Canada and the USA the population is only …
22. Use of respectively to
disambiguate
Respectively is a very useful word for clarifying how items are related to each
other.
In S1, a basic knowledge of geography makes it clear that London is associated
with England, and Paris with France.
S1. London and Paris are the capitals of England and France.
S2. … where X is the function for Y, and f1 and f2 are the constant
functions for P and Q. (such connections are not always so obvious)
Are f1 and f2 constant functions for both P and Q? If so:
S3 … and f1 and f2 are the constant functions for both P and Q.
Or is f1 for P and f2 for Q? If so, use respectively:
S7. … and f1 and f2 are the constant functions for P and Q, respectively.
Most style books recommend placing respectively at the end of
the phrase. It is best to put a comma (,) before respectively.
23. Latin words - i.e. versus
e.g.
I.e. E.g.
means 'that is' (to say). means ‘for example’
is an abbreviation for Latinid
est, 'that is'.
stands for exempli gratia, "
"I like citrus fruits, i.e. the
juicy, edible fruits with
leathery, aromatic rinds of
any of numerous tropical,
usually thorny shrubs or trees
of the genus Citrus,"
I like citrus fruits, e.g.,
oranges and lemons"
i.e. specifies and explains. indicates an example
He had one obvious
flaw, i.e. his laziness.
She loves to read non-fiction,
e.g., reference books
and how-to books.
Ref. : http://dictionary.reference.com/help/faq/language/d67.html
24. Monologophobia
Definition: An overwhelming fear of using a word more than once in a single
sentence, or even in a single paragraph.
Etiology: As a child the patient was probably compelled to stand in a corner
because he wrote, in a composition: "Grandma gave me a piece of apple pie,
then I had another piece of apple pie and then I had another piece of apple pie."
Symptoms: The patient now writes: "The wife gave me a piece of apple pie, then
I obtained another slice of the pastry containing the round fleshy fruit, and then
I secured another portion of the all-American dessert." As is evident,
monologophobia is usually accompanied by synonymomania.
Treatment: Gently suggest to the patient that repetition is not necessarily fatal,
but that if it is an intrusive manifestation, the corrective is not a conspicuous
synonym but rather an inconspicuous pronoun or noun: "another," "a second,"
"a third one."
( Miss Thistlebottom's Hobgoblins, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1971)