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Thread: ascending, descending

  1. #1
    Verona_82 is offline Senior Member
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    Default ascending, descending

    Hello,

    Do native speakers use 'ascending' and 'descending' to talk about figures and values, e.g. prices, working hours, sales?
    Does 'ascending office hours" make any sense?

    Thank you.

  2. #2
    SoothingDave is offline VIP Member
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    Default Re: ascending, descending

    Yes, for things like prices. No, for "office hours."
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  3. #3
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    5jj
    5jj is offline Moderator
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    Default Re: ascending, descending

    I wouldn't use it for prices.

    ps (later) in 2,332 COCA citations for 'ascend-/s/ing/ed', 'price(s)' did not appear once.
    Last edited by 5jj; 09-May-2012 at 12:11. Reason: ps added
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    Context is important. Please provide enough for us to be able to deal effectively with your question.
    Your thread title should include all or part of the word/phrase being discussed.
    If you just want to know the meaning of a word, try OneLook Dictionary Search first.


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    billmcd is offline Key Member
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    Default Re: ascending, descending

    Quote Originally Posted by Verona_82 View Post
    Hello,

    Do native speakers use 'ascending' and 'descending' to talk about figures and values, e.g. prices, working hours, sales? I would use "increasing" and "decreasing". I would use "ascending/descending" for a physical entity.

    Does 'ascending office hours" make any sense? Sense? Maybe, depends on context and the listener/reader. Common/usual? No. Thank you.
    b.
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  5. #5
    Verona_82 is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: ascending, descending

    Thank you all!

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