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tisogai
Joined: 09 Feb 2006
Posts: 196
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 Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2006 7:58 pm Post subject: proofreading, please |
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Another question here.
Please review the sentence below.
Obtain an MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) when you purchase chemicals such as grease and organic solvents, and use them in compliance(or accordance?) with the instructions.
Please correct any grammertical mistakes and suggest a better way or an alternative way.
Thanks so much. |
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Meadowlark
Joined: 19 Feb 2006
Posts: 73
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| Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 8:54 am Post subject: |
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Hi tisogai,
Regarding your sentence:
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| Obtain an MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) when you purchase chemicals such as grease and organic solvents, and use them in compliance(or accordance?) with the instructions. |
The way this is written, them actually refers to the MSDS.
To keep your sentence, I would change it this way:
Obtain an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) when you purchase chemicals such as grease or [not and] organic solvents and use the chemicals according to these instructions.
If you want to make the point more strongly you might prefer to say something like this:
When you purchase chemicals such as organic solvents or grease, obtain an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and read it carefully. You are responsible for following these safety guidelines when using this type of chemical.
OR
Obtain an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) when you purchase chemicals such as organic solvents or grease. Read the MSDS carefully. The use of such chemicals must comply with MSDS safety guidelines.
Meadowlark
PS grammatical not grammertical; grammar not grammer  |
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tisogai
Joined: 09 Feb 2006
Posts: 196
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| Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 5:00 pm Post subject: |
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Hello Meadowlark,
Thanks very much for the chuckles in your replies. One learns more when he/she laughs. I'm learning so much.
I think I have learned it before, but I am confused....
chemicals such as grease or [not and] organic solvents....
Then, please review the following sentence as well.
Use right size tools to tighten or loosen bolts or screw nuts.
"or" is correct, not "and"???
Thanks so much again. |
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Meadowlark
Joined: 19 Feb 2006
Posts: 73
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| Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 5:57 pm Post subject: |
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Hello again,
Are you writing an instruction manual? I'm wondering about all these technical sentences!
OK, first question:
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| I am confused.... chemicals such as grease or [not and] organic solvents.... |
This is not a very big error. In fact, some people might say it's not an error at all, but I believe it makes the meaning clearer to use or. And links the two chemicals together, as if they are always purchased as a pair. Or makes it clear that you're referring to the purchase of either of these chemicals or a similar chemical.
Your second sentence can be examined in the same manner. I would say it this way:
When tightening or loosening nuts and bolts, always use tools of the correct size.
Saying tightening and loosening would imply that both actions can be done at the same time. A nut or bolt is either tightened or loosened. It's impossible to do both at once! 
Nuts and bolts seems fine to me because these items are typically used in pairs. However, you might prefer to use or because there may be times when only the nut or the bolt would need to be adjusted in order to tighten or loosen the pair! I think this one is a matter of opinion.
In these sentences the use of either word may be acceptable to many people. I'm basing my advice on what seems to me to be the best use of the language.
Next question? 
Meadowlark
PS I like to laugh. I'm glad you do, too! |
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tisogai
Joined: 09 Feb 2006
Posts: 196
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| Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2006 8:10 pm Post subject: |
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Hello and thanks very much.
I liked your thoughs regarding bolts or/and screw nuts, which are perfectly logical. It helped me understand the usage so well.
I know that you've been wondering "what the heck is this person working on??", and yes, I'm now working on a manual of some tools and supplements. I'm currently learning a little technical writings , so I'll go on asking questions.
By the way, I'm just guessing that you like Bill Bryson. Do you, Meadowlark? I love his stuffs! |
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