These dictionary files were not deleted along with other files because...

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Jackson6612  #513722  Wed, 14 May 08 09:31 PM
Assuming there are two different dictionaries, A and B, on the computer, should I use dictionary or dictionaries in the compound noun dictionary files in the following sentence? I believe it should be something like ''dictionaries' files, not dictionary files'' because there are two different dictionaries kept in two different folders.

These dictionary files were not deleted along with other files because these were in use at the time of deletion.
  
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Marius Hancu  #513726  Wed, 14 May 08 09:51 PM
 dictionary
  
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Jackson6612  #513732  Wed, 14 May 08 10:29 PM
Why?
  
MrPedantic  #513736  Wed, 14 May 08 10:38 PM
Hello Jackson,

I would agree with Marius – "dictionary" here modifies "files" in an adjectival fashion.

All the best,

MrP

PS: I like your Titian.

  
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Marius Hancu  #513782  Thu, 15 May 08 01:16 AM
Using plural nouns as adjectives is generally avoided, though possible.

You're talking mainly about the type of files, not about their multitude, thus indicating that they are in several places is less significant.   

  
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