number etc.

jiang · #1 (**permalink**) 21-Nov-2006, 01:52

Dear teachers,

I have four questions to ask:

No.1
Please read the following sentence:

Destructive insects often undergo a "flare-back", in numbers greater than before.

Here number is in plaural form. May I sum up the use of number this way?

a. a great number of students: many students
b. students in ( great ) numbers: many students
c. 20 students in number: 20 students

No.2
Nature holds the species within bounds. Can I replace 'bounds' with 'limit'?
One importatn natural check is a limit on the amound of suitable habitat for each species. Can I replace 'limit' with 'bound'?

No.3
I got confused by 'importation' and 'import' when both of them mean 'something that is brought into a country in this way'. In other words, can I replace 'import' in the expression 'cheap imports of grain' with 'importation'?

No.4
'adapt' can mean 'to gradually change your behaviour and attitudes so taht your get used to a new situation and can deal with it successfully. 'adjust' can also mean 'to gradually get used to a new situation by making small changes to the way you do things'. Does it mean when used in this meaning they are interchangeable? For example, can I use 'adapting' to replace 'adjusting' in the sentence?
Adjusting to the tropical heat was more difficult than they had expected.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

MikeNewYork · #2 (**permalink**) 21-Nov-2006, 02:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiang

Dear teachers,

I have four questions to ask:

No.1
Please read the following sentence:

Destructive insects often undergo a "flare-back", in numbers greater than before.

Here number is in plaural form. May I sum up the use of number this way?

a. a great number of students: many students
b. students in ( great ) numbers: many students
c. 20 students in number: 20 students

One of the meanings of "numbers" is "a large quanity", "multitude". In this use, however, "numbers" means "quantities".

Quote:

No.2
Nature holds the species within bounds. Can I replace 'bounds' with 'limit'?
One important natural check is a limit on the amount of suitable habitat for each species. Can I replace 'limit' with 'bound'?

In the first, yes -- limits.
In the second, no.

Quote:

No.3
I got confused by 'importation' and 'import' when both of them mean 'something that is brought into a country in this way'. In other words, can I replace 'import' in the expression 'cheap imports of grain' with 'importation'?

I would need context. "Importation" can mean "imported product" but it usually refers to the act of importing.

Quote:

No.4
'adapt' can mean 'to gradually change your behaviour and attitudes so taht your get used to a new situation and can deal with it successfully. 'adjust' can also mean 'to gradually get used to a new situation by making small changes to the way you do things'. Does it mean when used in this meaning they are interchangeable? For example, can I use 'adapting' to replace 'adjusting' in the sentence?
Adjusting to the tropical heat was more difficult than they had expected.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you in advance.

Jiang

IMO, "adjust" is often a quick and temprary change.
"Adapt" is a slower and often more long-lasting change.

You could use "adapt" there, but it would have a different meaning for me.

jiang · #3 (**permalink**) 21-Nov-2006, 03:03

Dear Mike,

Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.
The context of importation is this:

The importationof plants is the primary agent in the modern spread of species.

I know in this sentence I can use 'import' to replace 'importation'. I found it confusing when I compared the meanings of the two words.

Jiang

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeNewYork

One of the meanings of "numbers" is "a large quanity", "multitude". In this use, however, "numbers" means "quantities".

In the first, yes -- limits.
In the second, no.

I would need context. "Importation" can mean "imported product" but it usually refers to the act of importing.

IMO, "adjust" is often a quick and temprary change.
"Adapt" is a slower and often more long-lasting change.

You could use "adapt" there, but it would have a different meaning for me.

MikeNewYork · #4 (**permalink**) 21-Nov-2006, 03:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiang

Dear Mike,

Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.
The context of importation is this:

The importationof plants is the primary agent in the modern spread of species.

I know in this sentence I can use 'import' to replace 'importation'. I found it confusing when I compared the meanings of the two words.

Jiang

You could use "import" there, but I prefer "importation" in that use.