Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Tony 1963]

Hi,

The following is a precise copy:

�this device comprises a pair of coupled tuning forks, the drive tines and the pickup tines, along with their support flexures and frames.�

My question is, are "coupled tuning forks, the drive tines and the pickup tines" three things or just one thing as I rephrased as follows:

�this device comprises a pair of coupled tuning forks (that is made up by the drive tines and the pickup tines), along with their support flexures and frames.�

Thanks.
Tony

[CP]

It is one thing (a pair of tuning forks) and two things (two tuning forks matched to each other). Your paraphrase is correct.

Tines are the branches of the fork. Tuning forks usually have two; ordinary table forks have three or four.
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You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb

[Tony 1963]

Thank you very much, CP!