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JeffinJapan Posted 21 years ago
Grammar
Communication or communications?
I have my friend in a headlock about this one. The subject is the transfer of data via a cable (data communciation) between two devices. He wants to say "If communications are...") and I feel "If communication is ...." is correct.
I know communications is correct in some cases, but to me it implies a distinctly countable subject. In our case, we're using it for data communication, which to me is an uncountable stream (I mean are you going to count each piece of data as it flies by?)
Are there any rules about this one?
I know communications is correct in some cases, but to me it implies a distinctly countable subject. In our case, we're using it for data communication, which to me is an uncountable stream (I mean are you going to count each piece of data as it flies by?)
Are there any rules about this one?
Top answer
Hello JiJ Can you give the full statement? From what you say, it seems likely that 'is' is correct; but much depends on how the sentence proceeds. MrP
- Hello JiJ Can you give the full statement?
- From what you say, it seems likely that 'is' is correct; but much depends on how the sentence proceeds.
- MrP
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4 Answers
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Hello JiJ
Can you give the full statement? From what you say, it seems likely that 'is' is correct; but much depends on how the sentence proceeds.
MrP
Can you give the full statement? From what you say, it seems likely that 'is' is correct; but much depends on how the sentence proceeds.
MrP
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Here is the full sentence.
"The vacuum pump cannot be started and plasma ignition is not possible if communications are not established between the PC and the main unit."
I want to say-
"The vacuum pump cannot be started and plasma ignition is not possible if communication is not established between the PC and the main unit."
(Now that I think about it, I should probably
"The vacuum pump cannot be started and plasma ignition is not possible if communications are not established between the PC and the main unit."
I want to say-
"The vacuum pump cannot be started and plasma ignition is not possible if communication is not established between the PC and the main unit."
(Now that I think about it, I should probably
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I think either one is fine. I prefer the first. (plural) I think that's because I'm thinking of it as one communication from PC to main unit and another communication from main unit to PC. But, as I say, singular doesn't sound wrong either.
CJ
CJ
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Checked out M.Webster's site and they say:
3 a : a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior ; also : exchange of information b : personal rapport
(and also)
4 plural a : a system (as of telephones) for communicating b : a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles c : personnel enga
3 a : a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior ; also : exchange of information b : personal rapport
(and also)
4 plural a : a system (as of telephones) for communicating b : a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles c : personnel enga
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