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Angliholic Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

changing their own coloration/colors

Some animals are capable of changing their own coloration and texture to match their surroundings.

Hi,
Is it proper to replace 'coloration" in the above with "colors?" If not, could you dig up a reason? Thanks.
  

Top answer

Often, yes. To me, "coloration" has a stronger sense that there is a pattern of colors, so if you want to emphasise that aspect then "coloration" might be the word to use. However, "coloration" is a technical-sounding word that doesn't trot so easily off the tongue, so in everyday conversation "colors" (or just "color") would be the usual choice.

— Mr Wordy

  • Often, yes.
  • To me, "coloration" has a stronger sense that there is a pattern of colors, so if you want to emphasise that aspect then "coloration" might be the word to use.
  • However, "coloration" is a technical-sounding word that doesn't trot so easily off the tongue, so in everyday conversation "colors" (or just "color") would be the usual choice.
  • ) I would tend to omit the word "own".
  • It's not wrong, but seems unnecessary.
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7 Answers
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Often, yes. To me, "coloration" has a stronger sense that there is a pattern of colors, so if you want to emphasise that aspect then "coloration" might be the word to use. However, "coloration" is a technical-sounding word that doesn't trot so easily off the tongue, so in everyday conversation "colors" (or just "color") would be the usual choice. (Although singular, "color" would in everyday usage
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AngliholicSome animals are capable of changing their own coloration and texture to match their surroundings.
  • Some animals are capable of changing color and texture to match their surroundings.
  • Some animals are capable of changing their coloration and texture to match their surroundings.
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Mr Wordy, may I take this chance and ask you to clarify what 'trotting so easily off the tongue' means please? I am assuming it means something that is not usually said.

Thank you

PBF

[edited] added 'I' between 'may' and 'take'
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Angliholic. You probably knew this ages ago but anyhow it's called camouflage for what it's worth.

PBF
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PeaceblinkfriendMr Wordy, may take this chance and ask you to clarify what 'trotting so easily off the tongue' means please? I am assuming it means something that is not usually said.
Yep, exactly that. "Coloration" is a perfectly good word, but not one that crops up much in everyday conversation (not mine, anyway!).
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Thanks again, Mr Wordy.
So you would only really use 'coloration' when you are into the technical aspect of camouflage.

PBF
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PeaceblinkfriendSo you would only really use 'coloration' when you are into the technical aspect of camouflage.
Not really... I might use it in relation to camouflage, but it's not specific to that usage. It just means a pattern of colours, generally.

But you're right that it's a more technical-sounding word.
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