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I agree that "single-failure proof" may help to avoid the
"failure-proof" dilemma, but grammatically I think it should be
"single-failure-proof", because all the words must be linked to create
the adjectival phrase. The words failure and proof do not make sense
here unless linked together by the hyphen to form a single adjective.
Anyway, it's an ugly phrase. Perhaps there is a better way to write it
but, as Gene says, if "single-failure proof" is the industry standard, I
would bend like a reed in the wind and use it.
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+cvickery=arenasolutions -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+cvickery=arenasolutions -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com]
On Behalf Of Gene Kim-Eng
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 10:25 AM
To: jopakent -at- comcast -dot- net; TECHWR
Subject: Re: Another Grammar Q...
"Single-failure proof" is the one most commonly
used for cranes, aircraft and marine equipment,
"single" being the descriptor for "failure." Using
"failure-proof" may leave you open to a claim
that you warranted your equipment would not
fail even a single time.
Gene
----- Original Message -----
From: <jopakent -at- comcast -dot- net>
To: "TECHWR" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 10:01 AM
Subject: Another Grammar Q...
>
> I'm trying to come up with the correct hyphenation of the term "single
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