These equipment are heavy. But if that is too ugly for you and you feel that
it will slow the reader down (because after all who cares as long as it is
understood and doesn't stop the flow), then change it to These pieces of
equipment are heavy or This piece of equipment is heavy. Substitute another
noun for equipment. These forklifts are heavy. This forklift is heavy. Work
around. Always my philosophy.

sue

Susan Hargrove
Writer/Editor/Publisher
Simply4 Communication + Design
T: 514-420-0957 // F: 514-420-0566

-----Original Message-----
From: mtl_techwriter@yahoogroups.com [mailto:mtl_techwriter@yahoogroups.com]
On Behalf Of David Hickey
Sent: September 2, 2008 11:35 AM
To: mtl_techwriter@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [mtl_techwriter] Equipment vs Equipments: what is the proper usage?



Greetings!

Equipment is a weird word. It is by nature a plural word, but then how do
you conjugate it?

1. This equipment is heavy.
2. This equipment are heavy.
3. These pieces of equipment are heavy.
4. This piece of equipment is heavy.

Even though equipment is plural, I believe #2 to be incorrectly conjugated.
According to the Oxford dictionary, "equipments" would be correct, but I've
never seen it in modern usage.

Any thoughts on this?

--
David Hickey
Technical Writer
wk: 514-738-4781 ext 4121
cell: 514-791-3627

Documentia Inc.
www.documentia.ca







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