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SuperESL Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
plural
Hi,
Say each applicant to a PhD program is required to submit one hard copy of a writing sample . Should the instruction be:
"Applicants are expected to submit a hard copy of their writing samples."
Or
"Applicants are expected to submit hard copies of their writing samples."
Thank you.
Say each applicant to a PhD program is required to submit one hard copy of a writing sample . Should the instruction be:
"Applicants are expected to submit a hard copy of their writing samples."
Or
"Applicants are expected to submit hard copies of their writing samples."
Thank you.
Top answer
I'd recommend using the singular — 'a hard copy'. The use of the plural may cause applicants to believe that multiple hard copies of their writing are required.
- I'd recommend using the singular — 'a hard copy'.
- The use of the plural may cause applicants to believe that multiple hard copies of their writing are required.
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6 Answers
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I'd recommend using the singular — 'a hard copy'.
The use of the plural may cause applicants to believe that multiple hard copies of their writing are required.
The use of the plural may cause applicants to believe that multiple hard copies of their writing are required.
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"Applicants are expected to a sample of their original writing in hard copy format. "
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Or would "Applicants are expected to submit a hard copy of a writing sample" be the best? Thanks.
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SuperESLOr would "Applicants are expected to submit a hard copy of a sample of their writing" be the best?OK.
As Clive said, a writing sample would be handwriting.
Original writing would be a composition. It could be printed out.
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Thank you.
It seems that the term 'writing sample' is commonly used in the context of application to graduate programs in the humanities (e.g. http://www.queensu.ca/history/graduate/howtoapply/phd.html ;
It seems that the term 'writing sample' is commonly used in the context of application to graduate programs in the humanities (e.g. http://www.queensu.ca/history/graduate/howtoapply/phd.html ;
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