"<something> will be used for both"

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dayzman@gmail.com - 29 Nov 2006 20:43 GMT

Hi all,

I have a question about the following sentence:

"To apply, submit an ORS application and a separate application for MSc
admission, and provide references that will be used for both MSc
admission and ORS selection."

According to the application forms for ORS and MSc admission, each
requires references. But does the above sentence indicate that only one
set of references will need to be submitted? I.e. will the same set of
references be used for both processes, or should I provide references
that are required by each process?

Thanks,
Michael

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Eric Walker - 29 Nov 2006 22:03 GMT

> I have a question about the following sentence:
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> references be used for both processes, or should I provide references
> that are required by each process?

There is no way to tell from that dreadful sentence. Lacking any
further guidance, I'd think your best bet is to submit separate but
identical references, one set with each application.

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Mark Brader - 29 Nov 2006 23:24 GMT

Michael Dayzman:

> > "To apply, submit an ORS application and a separate application for MSc
> > admission, and provide references that will be used for both MSc
> > admission and ORS selection."

> > ... does the above sentence indicate that only one
> > set of references will need to be submitted?

Eric Walker:

> There is no way to tell from that dreadful sentence.

Oh, I think it's clear enough -- it means that one set will do. The
restrictive "that" clause should be a non-restrictive "which" clause
(or else "will be used" should be something like "you permit to be
used"), but I don't think that's enough to qualify it as dreadful.

> Lacking any further guidance, I'd think your best bet is to submit
> separate but identical references, one set with each application.

It might be safest to do so. The sentence doesn't ask you to, but it
clearly wasn't written by someone who knew how to write carefully,
and *they* might have gotten it wrong. Alternatively, you could ask.

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Mark Brader "Finally no number of additional epicycles can
Toronto hide the fact that We've Got a Problem Here."
msb@vex.net -- from a science book club promotion

My text in this article is in the public domain.

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Michael - 30 Nov 2006 19:35 GMT

I've just asked and they only want one set. Thanks all!

> Michael Dayzman:
> > > "To apply, submit an ORS application and a separate application for MSc
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
>
> My text in this article is in the public domain.

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Discussion Groups / English Usage / November 2006

"<something> will be used for both"