0

I am writing to inquire the usage of "get stuck" in academic writing. Here is my draft:

this design could get stuck in a bad local minima and therefore is not desired.

I use Google Scholar to search "get stuck" and I do find quite a number of exact matchings. However, I still want to double check if there was any (more) proper term in this context. Thank you very much!

Improve this question
  • 3
    To me "get + past participle" seems colloquial, and I would not use it in formal writing, especially in that context. (PS note that "a bad local minima" is a horrible mistake.) – Greybeard May 14 '20 at 9:45
  • 4
    Minima is plural. Minimum is singular, And as math concepts, they aren't good or bad. Just use local minimum if in contrast with finding the global minimum. Maxima and minima are often heard used as singular items, but I would avoid this in technical writing. – Phil Sweet May 14 '20 at 9:46
  • 2
    If you explained more clearly (what is the metaphorical or at least metonymical sense of 'local minimum' you're intending here? Is this a common usage?) we might be able to offer advice. But what is the point for looking for synonyms of 'become stuck / trapped / becalmed ... in' if the context makes them inappropriate ('becalmed in a local minimum' sounds ludicrous, while 'entrenched' fits the metaphor somewhat better)? – Edwin Ashworth May 14 '20 at 9:54

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.