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Subject:RE: Singular or Plural? From:Kevin McLauchlan <kmclauchlan -at- safenet-inc -dot- com> To:'Janice Gelb' <janice -dot- gelb -at- sun -dot- com>, techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com Date:Mon, 12 Feb 2007 08:40:30 -0500
On Behalf Of Janice Gelb wrote
> "The group provides high-level analyses and technical assistance..."
> >
> > "The group provides high-level analysis and technical assistance..."
> >
>
> Even if it is a correct plural formation,
> "analyses" is going to look like a typo
> to most people. And I don't think this
> construction works anyway: "assistance"
> can be used without an accompanying
> explanation but "analysis" begs the
> question: "analysis" of *what*?
>
> I'd rewrite it to answer that question:
>
> "The group provides high-level analysis of
> internal specifications and technical assistance..."
Well then, if you want to get _picky_... :-)
I would insert a comma after "specifications",
so that the sentence says that the group provides two
things - analysis(es) and assistance.
Otherwise, your version says to me that the group
analyzes internal specifications, and analyzes
technical assistance. Hmm?
<I'll take my comma dispenser and go hide somewhere now.>
Kevin
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