Grammar question
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Grammar question
I'm writing an application for a patent. I need clarification on two things.
1. In mechanics, does a "male portion" mean any protruding parts? Does "female" mean the corresponding cavity that the male portion mate with? I need to make sure.
2. This is a grammar question. Which one is correct: a) The students use their head when taking a test. b) The students use their heads when taking a test.
Thanks for the help.
1. In mechanics, does a "male portion" mean any protruding parts? Does "female" mean the corresponding cavity that the male portion mate with? I need to make sure.
2. This is a grammar question. Which one is correct: a) The students use their head when taking a test. b) The students use their heads when taking a test.
Thanks for the help.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: OK
For #1, I'd say that a male part doesn't necessarily have to protrude. Likewise, any protrusions aren't necessarily male parts. So, you might want to find a more restrictive definition.
For #2, "students (plural) use their heads (plural)" is the grammatically correct choice.
For #2, "students (plural) use their heads (plural)" is the grammatically correct choice.
Post Fiend
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From: Damascus-Boring, Ore
a student uses his head
the students used their heads (they need to agree- singular with singular, plural with plural).
I want you to know it cost my folks well over $50K to come up with that answer
(English Major)
I'd use "threaded end portion attaching to the threaded receptacle instead of the "male/female" portion.
the students used their heads (they need to agree- singular with singular, plural with plural).
I want you to know it cost my folks well over $50K to come up with that answer
(English Major)I'd use "threaded end portion attaching to the threaded receptacle instead of the "male/female" portion.
Postmaster
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From: Southern Louisiana
Originally Posted by polarbear
a student uses his head
the students used their heads (they need to agree- singular with singular, plural with plural).
I want you to know it cost my folks well over $50K to come up with that answer (English Major)
I'd use "threaded end portion attaching to the threaded receptacle instead of the "male/female" portion.
the students used their heads (they need to agree- singular with singular, plural with plural).
I want you to know it cost my folks well over $50K to come up with that answer
(English Major)I'd use "threaded end portion attaching to the threaded receptacle instead of the "male/female" portion.
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From: Tillsonburg ON
Originally Posted by unclehan
1. In mechanics, does a "male portion" mean any protruding parts? Does "female" mean the corresponding cavity that the male portion mate with?
Go with polarbear on the grammar question, my Canadian university education of course didn't cost as much as that American education
but it taught me the same thing. Never rely on computerized grammar checkers and only rely on the spell checkers if you are truly challenged.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: in the adirondack mts
in this case a bolt would be considered the male thread, the nut conversely would be the female thread. in plumbing fittings the basics are the same. there are male & female adaptors. it's a pretty general thing.
New User
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The term female is used for those parts/connectors that Receive the other part (Male)
ie:For threaded connections....the Male has exterior threads, Female parts have interior threads.
Students use their brain's when taking a test.
Note:
They should actually be using their brain, the head holds the brain.
ie:For threaded connections....the Male has exterior threads, Female parts have interior threads.
Students use their brain's when taking a test.
Note:
They should actually be using their brain, the head holds the brain.
