Feb 24, 2002 21:21
22 yrs ago
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English term

terms translation

Non-PRO English to Spanish Art/Literary Linguistics Linguistics
Esto es una duda lingüística. A mí siempre me han enseñado que en inglés, los sustantivos con función atributiva van siempre en singular, aunque se refieran a algo en plural. Pero me he encontrado varias veces algunos sustantivos con esta función que están en plural, y un ejemplo está en esta misma página: terms translation > traducción de términos.

¿Es un error o me lo han enseñado mal, o hay ciertas excepciones? Gracias.

Proposed translations

+5
56 mins
Selected

Michael Swan 'Practical English Usage'

In noun+noun structure the first noun is normally singular in form even if it has a plural meaning (e.g. a shoe shop, a toothbrush, etc)
However, there are exceptions:
Some nouns have the plural -s when they modify other nouns. These include:
- nouns which have no singular form (like clothes);
- nouns which are not used in the singular with the same meaning (customs);
- and some nouns which are more often used in the plural than in the singular (like savings);
- in some cases usagae is devided (sport(s);
In general, the use of plural modifiers is becoming more common in British English; American English often has singular forms where British has plurals, e.g.:
the arrivals hall (BrE) - the arrival hall (AmE)....

As you can see, it's not that strict, there are exceptions and some new tendencies that has to be taken into account.

However, I think that 'terms translation' is wrong, as there are 2 different words - 'term' and 'terms'
(Oxford Advanced)
terms /t3 mz; AmE t3 rmz/ noun [pl.]
1 the conditions that people offer, demand or accept when they make an agreement, an arrangement or a contract: peace terms Under the terms of the agreement, their funding of the project will continue until 2005. They failed to agree on the terms of a settlement. These are the terms and conditions of your employment.
2 conditions that you agree to when you buy, sell, or pay for sth; a price or cost: to buy sth on easy terms (= paying for it over a long period) My terms are £20 a lesson.
3 a way of expressing yourself or of saying sth: We wish to protest in the strongest possible terms (= to say we are very angry). I'll try to explain in simple terms. The letter was brief, and couched in very polite terms. She spoke of you in glowing terms (= expressing her admiration of you).

term /t3 m; AmE t3 rm/ noun, verb
noun—see also TERMS
1 [C] a word or phrase used as the name of sth, especially one connected with a particular type of language: technical / legal / scientific terms a term of abuse ‘Register’ is the term commonly used to describe different levels of formality in language.
2 (AmE also tri•mes•ter) [C, U] (especially in Britain) one of the three periods in the year during which classes are held in schools, universities, etc: the spring / summer / autumn / fall term (BrE) It's nearly the end of term. (AmE) the end of the term during term (time)—see also SEMESTER, TERMLY, TERM-TIME
3 [C] a period of time for which sth lasts; a fixed or limited time: during the president's first term of / in office He faces a maximum prison / jail term of 25 years. a long term of imprisonment The term of agreement can be for either two or three years.
4 [sing.] (formal) the end of a particular period of time, especially one for which an agreement, etc. lasts: His life had reached its natural term. This view of the economy is approaching its term (= it will soon be old-fashioned) (medical) The pregnancy went to full term (= lasted the normal length of time).
5 [C] (mathematics) each of the various parts in a series, an EQUATION etc.

The correct way to use it would be 'Translation of terms'.
Otherwise it acquires a different meaning or just becomes confusing.

Espero que te sea de ayuda
;-)
Peer comment(s):

agree Katherine Matles : Great explanation and I have always thought that "Terms translation" seemed awkward! :-)
2 mins
Gracias, Katherine ;-)
agree AndrewBM
26 mins
Thanks, AndrewBM ;-)
agree Rafa Lombardino
45 mins
Obrigado, Rafaela ;-)
agree Haydée González
3 hrs
Gracias, Haydée ;-)
agree TONY1964
15 hrs
Grazie, TONY1964 ;-)
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4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Thank you both for your references. I think I'm going to buy Mr. Swan's book..."
+1
1 hr

noun modifiers: singular and plural

1) First noun singular

In noun+noun structures the first noun is normally singular in form, even if it has a plural meaning

a shoe shop (= a shop that sells shoes)
a toothbrush (= a brush for teeth)
trouser pockets (pockets in trousers)
a ticket office (= an office that sells tickets)

2) exceptions

Some nouns have plural -s even when they modify other nouns. These include nouns which have no singular form (like 'clothes'), nouns that are not used in the singular with the same meaning ('customs'), and some nouns which are more than often used in the plural than in the singular (like 'savings'). In some cases (e.g. 'sport(s)','drug(s)'), usage is divided, and both singular and plural forms are found.

In general, the use of plural modifiers is becoming more common in BrE.
AmE often has singular formswhere BrE has plurals.

Some examples:

a clothes shop
a glasses case
a customs officer
arms control
a savings account
the accounts department
the sales department
an antique(s) dealer (but an antique shop)

the outpatients department (of a hospital)
a greetings card (US greeting card)
the drug(s) problem (US drug problem)
the arrivals hall (US arrival hall)
a drinks cabinet (US drink cabinet)
a goods train (BrE)
a sports car sport(s) shoes

Note also that singular nouns ending in -ics can be used as modifyers
athletics training
an economics degree

We use the plurals 'men' and 'women' to modify plural nouns when they have a 'subject' meaning; 'man' and 'woman' are used to express the object meaning.

Compare:

men drivers (= men who drive)
women pilots (= women who fly planes)

man-eaters (= lions or tigers that eat people)
woman-haters (= people who hate women)



HTH


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Note added at 2002-02-24 22:43:55 (GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

\'Term translation\' does actually sound better.
Peer comment(s):

agree DTec : M.Swan is an irrefutable authority...;-)
26 mins
Indeed :ñ)
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