[Grammar] Approach for automatic flushing.

[kadioguy]

(In a washroom for men, in Taiwan)

Approach for automatic flushing.
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I assume that the 'approach' is a verb (rather than a noun). It is in the imperative and its pattern is '(You) approach for something'.

Is that right?

(source)

 

[tedmc]

I think "approach" is a wrong choice of word.
Users of the urinals are asked to stand close to the bowl so that the infrared sensor of the flushing system can be activated.

I would say: Stand close for automatic flushing (of the urinal).

 

[kadioguy]

I think "approach" is a wrong choice of word.

Your version is better.

However, do you agree that it is a verb here?

 

[kadioguy]

Do native speakers agree that Ted's version is better than the original?

 

[emsr2d2]

Ted's version is too long for such signage. These signs should be short and to the point. I would say "Approach to flush" or "Stand close to flush".

 

[kadioguy]

I think "approach" is a wrong choice of word. ...

... I would say "Approach to flush" ....

So "approach" is possible in this context, right?

 

[emsr2d2]

In my opinion, yes. Of course, it's not clear just how close you have to get to the sensor in order to make it flush but that's OK. The person would simply keep approaching until it flushes.

 

[kadioguy]

If you don't mind, the last question: does the original sound correct and natural to native speakers?

 

[emsr2d2]

It's understandable. It's a grammatically correct instruction. It's as natural as any short instruction sign can be.

 

[GoesStation]

If you don't mind, [STRIKE]the[/STRIKE] one last question: does the original sound correct and natural to native speakers?

See above.

 

[SoothingDave]

"Approach" is the wrong word. You don't approach to make it flush. It flushes when you depart.

You need to stand close enough to be "seen" by the sensor. Then your departure is sensed.

I have never seen or needed a sign to tell me how to operate a urinal. If the sensors don't work at the normal distance that men stand, that's a design flaw.

 

[GoesStation]

"Approach" is the wrong word. You don't approach to make it flush. It flushes when you depart.

That depends on where you are. A couple of years ago I discovered that urinals in Helsinki flush when you approach and again when you depart.

 

[emsr2d2]

I assumed that the red light in the original picture was a sort of motion/proximity sensor, and therefore that you would need to move towards it until it detected your presence and were ready for it to flush. In my defence, I've never used a urinal!!!! The flush mechanisms in a lot of women's toilets have motion sensors (no pun intended) and you have to wave your hand in front of a light on the sensor in order to activate the flush.

 

[Skrej]

All I know is that half the time I have to sit on one of those auto-flushing things, they keep flushing every minute or so, regardless of whether I'm still sitting or even moving. Then once I do stand to finish, they'll flush a few more times before I actually leave the stall. It's like the toilet is trying to hurry me along, just like those anti-bird noises they play to keep pigeons from crapping in front of the stores.

Then I start feeling guilty about all the wasted water. What would have been 1.6 gallons in the leisurely time at my home has turned into eight or more now down the drain, most of them completely unnecessary. God knows I've made enough other poor life decisions to ponder, that I don't need to be guilt-tripped by a crapper.

 

[tedmc]

"Approach" is the wrong word. You don't approach to make it flush. It flushes when you depart.

You need to stand close enough to be "seen" by the sensor. Then your departure is sensed.

I have never seen or needed a sign to tell me how to operate a urinal. If the sensors don't work at the normal distance that men stand, that's a design flaw.

I agree that such a sign is unnecessary since the automatic flushing urinals are common enough. The Chinese version of the sign even tells users to be careful so as to keep the floor clean.

 

[kadioguy]

[...] urinals in Helsinki flush when you approach and again when you depart.

Yes, it is also the case for the urinals where I took the photo.

 

[kadioguy]

... The flush mechanisms in a lot of women's toilets have motion sensors (no pun intended) and you have to wave your hand in front of a light on the sensor in order to activate the flush.

No offence, but what would be the pun, if any? I can't think of one.

 

[Rover_KE]

Another meaning of 'motion' is 'a bowel evacuation'.

 

[tedmc]

Motion could mean movement or defaecation

 

[kadioguy]

Yes, it is also the case for the urinals where I took the photo.

a. Yes, it is also the case for the urinals where I took the photo.

b. Yes, it is also the case for the urinals in the washroom where I took the photo.

Do both work? Or only one of them?