Vincent Ding  +  103573 Sat, 28 May 05 04:34 AM I find the two words somewhat difficult to distinguish in such cases as the following: To reach a peace treaty is the joint/mutual goal of the two nations. Vincent Ding Joined on Fri, Apr 29 2005 Full Member 182

	Mister Micawber  +  103598 Sat, 28 May 05 08:15 AM 'Joint' here, I think-- 'joint' means together, and 'mutual means 'to or for each other'. 'Mutual' suggests reciprocality; 'joint' does not. Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member 30,501 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'

	Vincent Ding  +  103933 Mon, 30 May 05 03:54 AM Reciprocality for mutual. Hummm....That's a good point. Tks a lot. Further, could you please enlighten me on this one: Through joint/mutual consultation, they reached their joint goal to cease fire. Vincent Ding

	Mister Micawber  +  103968 Mon, 30 May 05 08:46 AM Again, I prefer 'joint'. 'Mutual' seems redundant, as consultation by definition would be between them. On the other hand, 'joint' appears again later in the sentence, making for poor style. I would start again, Vince: 'They reached a ceasefire through joint consultation.' Mister Micawber