Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[river1974]

Dear teachers:

It is believed that the above allegation *regarding Fig. 5 contains a typo* might result from the misunderstanding of the Examiner.

Is it proper to write so (regarding + clause)?

Thanks.

[pugachevV]

It is believed that the above allegation, regarding a typographical error in Fig 5, might etc...

a.)You can use regarding like this.
b.)You should write out in full typo which is a slang expression.
When you write " might result from the misunderstanding of the examiner." it is a bit unclear to me what you mean.

Do you mean the examiner misunderstood, or do you mean it was the student who misunderstood?

[river1974]

Thanks pugachevV. I mean the Examiner misunderstood. Would you show me how to revise my sentence to make it clearer?

[pugachevV]

I believe that the above allegation, regarding a typographical error in
FIg. 5, might result from a misunderstanding on the Examiner's part.

I have used the active, 'I believe', rather than the passive, 'It is believed'.

I mean, if you believe it, you ought to put your name to it, don't you think?
Of course you don't have to say I if you don't want to, and there may be good reasons to use the anonymous passive voice.

[river1974]

Thanks pugachevV. I don't think there are any good reasons to use the anonymous passive voice. It's just my boss's personal preference. He thinks such usage is more formal.

[pugachevV]

Hi River,
If your boss prefers the passive, you can consider that a good reason to use it.