JeffinJapan  +  86861 Tue, 05 Apr 05 12:14 PM I have my friend in a headlock about this one. The subject is the transfer of data via a cable (data communciation) between two devices. He wants to say "If communications are...") and I feel "If communication is ...." is correct. I know communications is correct in some cases, but to me it implies a distinctly countable subject. In our case, we're using it for data communication, which to me is an uncountable stream (I mean are you going to count each piece of data as it flies by?) Are there any rules about this one? JeffinJapan Joined on Mon, Feb 14 2005 New Member 11

	MrPedantic  +  87137 Wed, 06 Apr 05 12:23 AM Hello JiJ Can you give the full statement? From what you say, it seems likely that 'is' is correct; but much depends on how the sentence proceeds. MrP MrPedantic Joined on Tue, Oct 12 2004 Veteran Member 12,592 ...opella forensis / adducit febris...

	JeffinJapan  +  87159 Wed, 06 Apr 05 01:46 AM Here is the full sentence. "The vacuum pump cannot be started and plasma ignition is not possible if communications are not established between the PC and the main unit." I want to say- "The vacuum pump cannot be started and plasma ignition is not possible if communication is not established between the PC and the main unit." (Now that I think about it, I should probably say: "Communication must be established between the PC and the main unit prior to starting the vacuum pump and igniting the plasma.") JeffinJapan

	CalifJim  +  87166 Wed, 06 Apr 05 02:01 AM I think either one is fine. I prefer the first. (plural) I think that's because I'm thinking of it as one communication from PC to main unit and another communication from main unit to PC. But, as I say, singular doesn't sound wrong either. CJ CalifJim Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004 California Veteran Member 22,458 "There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche Plurals

	JeffinJapan  +  87195 Wed, 06 Apr 05 04:28 AM Checked out M.Webster's site and they say: 3 a : a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior ; also : exchange of information b : personal rapport (and also) 4 plural a : a system (as of telephones) for communicating b : a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles c : personnel engaged in communicating They seem to be saying when communication relates to humans, use "communication". When it relates to something else, use "communications". But am I right that this implies a LOT of distinct entities communicating? In my case it is just the PC and the main unit, similar perhaps to two persons, or 3a. JeffinJapan Plurals