This tag is for questions specifically related to written English.
4
votes
4answers
211 views
The verb for carrying out a bitwise OR/AND operation
I'm writing a scientific/technical text which involves describing some low level code.
I need to complete the following sentence:
When two values are combined, their tags are _ _ _ _ _ _ together
...
0
votes
2answers
240 views
“Confusing modifiers” reported where none are found [closed]
I have a sentence:
Take a look at this math problem and try to so solve it.
The Grammar Checker told me: “This sentence contains Issue: Confusing modifiers.”
But where?
2
votes
2answers
609 views
Mixing adjectives and nouns in scientific writing
I've noticed that biological scientists tend to use nouns as adjectives when detailing experiments both in writing and in speech.
Examples:
The experiment was performed "in monkey cortex" instead ...
5
votes
2answers
314 views
What is the correct way to write 'for ever more'?
I know that 'forever' is a word, and I know that 'evermore' is a word, but what is the correct way to write the phrase 'for ever more'? Is it 'forever more'? 'For evermore'? Or even 'forevermore', as ...
2
votes
3answers
512 views
Where can I find a list of capitalisation rules for pure British writing?
Is there any quality English orthography book that contains rules for capitalising in pure British English? I’ve noticed that an American newspaper capitalises every word in the title of an article ...
3
votes
2answers
488 views
Correct spacing used between numbers and abbreviations [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Punctuation with units
How to write units?
I see many people don't use a space between a numeral and an abbreviation, such as "7lb" or "5mm". Shouldn't it be "7 lbs." ...
4
votes
1answer
227 views
Term for Indirect Dialogue
There are two different types of dialogue I'm aware of, that for the moment I'll refer to as 'direct' dialogue and 'indirect' dialogue. However, I know these terms aren't the correct ones, and it's ...
2
votes
2answers
297 views
Dangling Participial Phrase [closed]
Here’s the original:
The veterinarian was caught off guard when, regaining consciousness,
we were again attacked by the cat.
My rewrite of this sentence is either:
The veterinarian was ...
3
votes
3answers
142 views
Clear way of saying that one set of rules overrides another, if contradicts [closed]
I'm working on updating a constitution, but as it is for a non-incorporated entity it doesn't have to be legally perfect. I'm much more interested in clarity.
Here is what I have at the moment:
...
3
votes
2answers
16k views
Can you say “see you then/there” when arranging a meeting?
I am sending an e-mail to a colleague to arrange a meeting. In my e-mail I inform her where and when we can meet, and I would like to end the e-mail by saying something like "See you there" or "See ...
-1
votes
1answer
538 views
Overuse of “that” [closed]
I too often use the word "that" in sentences. Examples: "Pinker asserts that little evidence exists for group selection theories" or "How would you respond to a client who tells you that one of her ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
Usage of “and” and comma when writing numbers UK style
I am trying to understand the rules for writing numbers in words under the UK rules (with "and"). I understand how to write small numbers (up to a few thousands), but I am not sure when to use "and" ...
0
votes
2answers
3k views
How to spell out dollars and cents [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
How to say the total amount?
Which is the correct way to spell out dollars and cents?
Forty-Two Thousand Dollars and 00/100 ($42,000.00)
or
Forty-Two Thousand ...
0
votes
1answer
859 views
How can someone become fluent and improve their writing skills? [closed]
How can someone become fluent and improve their writing skills? I've been learning English for many years and I still face many problems especially at writing(academic writing and writing in general) ...
5
votes
3answers
241 views
On the expression “no [noun 1] or any [noun 2]”
I have often seen the following expressions:
[ex.] 1. I have no allergies or any medical issues.
2. John serves a chicken with no sauce or any kind of seasoning.
I suspect that such a use is ...
0
votes
0answers
254 views
What does “Systematic analysis” mean? [closed]
I have a report due in soon and one of the pointers in the report guide is:
"Give a systematic analysis of the relevance of your placement to your degree programme, and vice-versa;"
Does anyone know ...
1
vote
1answer
765 views
Is it correct to combine multiple clauses into one sentence?
Is it correct to combine multiple clauses (sub sentences) into one?
For example, let us consider this sentence:
On managerial side, I am experienced in accounting software, have been working ...
0
votes
1answer
108 views
Is it clear in the following sentence the distinction between the “individual” and the “whole”?
Is it clear in the following sentence the distinction between the "individual" (a single person), and the "whole" (nature, universe...everything around, etc)?
"People want to be eternal as an ...
3
votes
3answers
4k views
How should we write the phrase “one of a kind”? [closed]
I have seen two kind of written format of "one of a kind" phrase,
one of a kind
one-of-a-kind
I'm confused, which one is the proper way of writing "one of a kind" phrase?
1
vote
1answer
364 views
Using “and” to combine two sentences [closed]
I would like to combine these two sentences.
Have significant experience of managing office and warehouse.
Have experience of managing people at office and warehouse.
Can I use and to do ...
1
vote
3answers
295 views
let you know a couple of facts OR bring couple of facts to your notice [closed]
Which of the following is more appropriate / polite?
I would like to bring a couple of facts (or things?) to your notice.
OR
I would like to let you know a couple of facts.
Please advise.
-1
votes
3answers
2k views
Once or Ones what is correct use in this sentence? [closed]
I am sorry for this basic question, I am not an native English that is why poor in language.
Kindly guide and help me about correct use of word (Once / Ones). I want to write I build new software ...
1
vote
2answers
2k views
Using “and” twice in a list
About using and, I've learned it is usually used in lists, between the last two items. For example:
I like movies, traveling and going out with friends.
Please tell me if the use of and ...
1
vote
2answers
3k views
“Experienced in” or “experienced of”
What is the correct use of experienced, with in or of? For example,
I have experienced in system development.
I have experienced of system development.
3
votes
3answers
2k views
Annotation symbols
Let's say you were going to put 3 annotations all on one page. What are the 3 different symbols you would use if you weren't going to use numbers?
4
votes
2answers
2k views
How to write date range succinctly and unambiguously in American written English?
How to write date range succinctly and unambiguously in American written English?
In a sentence I usually use "from January 1, 1923 through December 31, 1986". But it is too long for use in section ...
1
vote
3answers
978 views
“lie on the basis of” versus “lie at the basis of”
I often read in scientific papers a sentence of the form "X lies on the basis of Y." or "X lies at the basis of Y." to indicate that Y is caused by X in some fundamental way. Are both forms valid and ...
1
vote
2answers
267 views
How could I explain this situation in email? [closed]
My PM given me project and told me develop new project using existing code, but existing project is not good written. I mean they written very difficult code for very simple things.
I am quiet ...
1
vote
1answer
315 views
Can't read a word from a 187-year-old document [closed]
I have a land deed from the year 1824 for some land in the province of Upper Canada (back when that was a province).
Some photos of the deed can be seen in this imgur album.
I am attempting to read ...
6
votes
5answers
305 views
How do I write consecutive numbers?
Today I wrote the sentence:
The supplied definition defines 24 16-bit words per subframe, and ...
I know the recipient will understand the terminology. I'm concerned about writing the phrase ...
2
votes
2answers
264 views
How to use “critical” without it being mistaken for “crucial”
I would like to describe a process (not a person) as being critical. For example, for a process that undergoes criticism, correction and scrutinization such as auditing and inspection. I found the ...
0
votes
0answers
186 views
Does the full stop (period) come before or after the quote mark at the end of a sentence? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Is it ever acceptable for a period to come after a quote at the end of a sentence?
Should one stick to American style of placing punctation marks within quotes if one uses ...
0
votes
2answers
326 views
Repeating “to” in a list of verbs connected by “and”
"This group’s main duties are to carry out information systems audits in Colombian banks and to make research and develop new regulations on information technologies and systems in the banking ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
“Hypothesize” vs “postulate”
When writing a scientific or engineering paper, how do we choose between hypothesize and postulate?
11
votes
4answers
2k views
“Versus” versus “vs.” in writing
In writing, when should one use the abbreviation vs. as opposed to the full versus?
This abbreviation seems to have special status from common usage. What is the origin of that, and in what writing ...
1
vote
2answers
201 views
Can I write different spellings of the same word in the same context? [closed]
Can I use "color" in one paragraph, but write "colour" in the next one?
Yes, I just did it. But is it acceptable to do so when not talking about spelling differences?
0
votes
3answers
569 views
To put more “weight/power” into a conclusion
I am trying to find an expression which would meet my needs. In the report that I am currently writing I would like to explain that I have done a certain action in order to "put more weight/power" ...
1
vote
3answers
192 views
How to say “possibility at maximum rate” correctly
How do we say
The possibility of dying in a car crash here, is always at the maximum
rate
correctly? Is the above sentence correct? I don't want it to sound very formal.
7
votes
7answers
1k views
Can the word “that” be used to refer to people?
I came across this SAT Question of the Day:
Unbelievable as it may seem, many individuals that fought in the
American Revolution were still alive in 1839, the year the world was introduced to ...
2
votes
3answers
214 views
Is “at a time” correct?
I would like to find a way to express the meaning of "at some time". For example:
I think everyone has his study or working rhythm at a time. This rhythm varies for different person, and may be ...
1
vote
3answers
514 views
Applying/earning/validating leave
When someone attends an event, he will be awarded some additional leave subject to his boss's approval. Therefore, he will need to submit a leave application to his boss for approval.
Should I call ...
14
votes
4answers
698 views
What is it called when words are deliberately written wrong but pronunciation is kept unchanged?
For example,
Night -> Nite
Nite even appears in some dictionaries as having the same meaning as night.
What is it called when words are deliberately written incorrectly but the pronunciation ...
1
vote
1answer
343 views
Is it better to write without contractions? E.g. “cannot” instead of “can't” [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Using contracted forms (“don't”, “let's”) in a formal text
Usage of contractions like “it's” and “that's” in textbooks
Should contractions ...
2
votes
3answers
606 views
Is the singular “they” acceptable in formal writing? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Is there a correct gender-neutral, singular pronoun (“his” versus “her” versus “their”)?
I am linking to this post for reference.
...
0
votes
3answers
198 views
Should laconism be favored over clarity? [closed]
One might argue that to be as understandable as possible, one should use common words and phrases. On the other hand, unnecessary verbosity is often frowned upon.
Stop acting so childish and ...
7
votes
2answers
936 views
How do I refer to a word?
When writing, I sometimes want to refer to a word, as opposed to its meaning. For example: when correcting someone's grammar or semantics (there versus their), or when pointing out exemplary ...
7
votes
1answer
505 views
Is it okay to start a sentence with a Greek letter (variable)?
Is it okay to start a sentence with a variable? Do I need to rewrite a sentence just because the subject is typeset as a Greek letter?
For example:
Φ is treated in a special way.
vs.
...
3
votes
1answer
575 views
Can I use “verbally” in a written context?
Can I use "verbally" to refer to textual communication? For example, can I say "Verbally encourage this behavior" meaning "Encourage this behavior in writing"?
1
vote
1answer
129 views
how can I phrase the future possible applications of a technology?
I'm writing an overview for a paper, and want to let the reader know part of the outline:
...in the last paragraph I want to mention the possible future applications one can reach/accomplish with ...
7
votes
3answers
1k views
Name and origin of writing with period after each word
It may be limited to the web ecosystem, but I've read a lot of those sentences lately, where each word is followed by a period.
Examples:
Oh. My. God.
Best. Job. Ever.
No. F***ing. Way.
...
