Box File and Japan Office

Question

Hi,In Hong Kong, lots of Chinese people at the office use "Box files" to refer to "Ring-binders". I don't think "Box files" are correct English. However, it is so widely used that when I say ring-binders, people will question me if I'm talking about "box-files". Could anyone help me with this?And, when we talk about an overseas office, say, in Japan, should we say:-1. the Japan Office (with the definite article "the"), or2. Japan Office, or3. Japan's OfficeThanks a lot.Kathy

Minhhai2209 · Accepted Answer

Hi. Just a note. Ring binder is also called "Files" in Britain sometimes.

Mr Wordy · Answer

To me (in the UK), this is a box file:

And this is a ring-binder

Normally you should say "the Japan office" or "the Japanese office".

Edit: I cannot get the pictures to display properly. They appear fine in the edit window but disappear in the actual post. The pictures are here.

Kathy456 · Answer

Hi Mr Wordy,

Thanks for your prompt reply & your pictures. They're very helpful to me.

By the way, I'd like clarify one thing. So, is it true to say that a box file is different from a ring-binder and the two terms are not interchangeable because they're actually different kinds of statiionery as shown in the pictures?

Thanks.

Kathy

Mister Micawber · Answer

I would think so from the AmE point of view, Kathy.  You might find a ring binder inside a box file, though.

Kathy456 · Answer

Hi Mister Micawber,

Thanks a lot for your clarification!

Kathy

Mr Wordy · Answer

Kathy456So, is it true to say that a box file is different from a ring-binder and the two terms are not interchangeable because they're actually different kinds of statiionery as shown in the pictures?

Yes, to me also they are different things.

Kathy456 · Answer

Hi Mr Wordy,

Thanks a lot for your clarification!

Kathy

Box File and Japan Office

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