Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[lailacatlaila]

I understand that nouns used as adjectives are usually in a singular form, like "souvenir shop." However, I see both "communications systems" and "communication systems." Are both correct? If not, why?
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Lailacatlaila

[redset]

The short answer is yes, both are correct.

Communication means the actual sending and receiving, or imparting, of information and ideas.

Communications is used to talk about what we use to send or receive information, like computers or telephone lines. You see this in satellite communications or communications networks, or telecommunications.

So a communications system is a physical system for transmitting and receiving information. A communication system can be a physical system intended for exchanging information (which is basically the same thing), or it could be a conceptual system or an idea for communicating (like saying "ok, wink once for 'yes', tap your nose if you mean 'no'").

I hope that makes sense, the difference is fairly subtle! People will often use communication where they could say communications, but it doesn't always work the other way around (adults may find communication with children difficult, that has nothing to do with phone lines etc.). Communications is also an academic subject which deals with media and transmitting information.