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Jack112 Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

Of

Is there a difference in meaning between these two?

1. ATX allows maximum flexibility in the size and shape of cases and motherboards. (What does this one mean?)

2. ATX allows maximum flexibility in the sizes and shapes of cases and motherboards. (One size and one shape for every case and motherboard?)

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Hi, Number 1 is a more common way of speaking. As you suggest, number 2 perhaps stresses the idea of many sizes and shapes, but number 1 does also include that possible meaning. I'd say number 1.

  • Hi, Number 1 is a more common way of speaking.
  • As you suggest, number 2 perhaps stresses the idea of many sizes and shapes, but number 1 does also include that possible meaning.
  • I'd say number 1.
  • Clive
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2 Answers
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Hi,

Number 1 is a more common way of speaking. As you suggest, number 2 perhaps stresses the idea of many sizes and shapes, but number 1 does also include that possible meaning.

I'd say number 1.

Clive
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Yes, I'd agree that number 1 is preferable.

Flexibility in the sizes and shapes almost seems to suggest that the sizes within each size category are flexibile. For example, in a case designed to be 9" x 12" x 22", (as opposed to , say, a case designed to be 24" x 18" x 4"), the actual size might arbitrarily fluctuate between those figures, and 1" or 2'' lesser or g

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