The two words mean just about the same thing and may be interchanged.Originally Posted by blacknomi

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They had to sit through a gory videoon surgical procedure.
They have developed a new process for extracting aluminium from bauxite.
Both can mean a series of actions that you take in order to achieve a result. How can I distinguish from them? Would there be any catagoies belong to "process" and to "procedure"?
The two words mean just about the same thing and may be interchanged.Originally Posted by blacknomi
Is there not an element of collocation here? To me, 'surgical process' sounds strange, while 'surgical procedure' sounds fine.![]()
I found the answer. I forgot I have Oxford collocations at hand. 8) I am going to swallow the whole book.
thanks, tdol.
There are many similarities, but the words are not often interchangeable.Originally Posted by blacknomi
For me, a "process" brings to mind a series of automatic steps, very mechanical in nature. It shows up in manufacturing, automation, digestion, etc. By contrast a "procedure" is more guided by purposeful action, human involvement, less-mechanical.
due process of law
digestive process
manfacturing process
extraction process
surgical procedure
courtroom procedure
procedures manual
evacuation procedure
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I was cramming Oxford Collocations and managing to generalize the rules. I was nearly there before I read your analysis. That's very impressive.
Re:
- Either: the process refers to an election creating a winner. the procedure would involve the counting of ballots and validating them.
That's a good logical explanation. Now I understand.
Dear Mike, I really can't thank you enough for your kindly help.![]()
You're quite welcome. :DOriginally Posted by blacknomi
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