補足の必要性

Me: In technical writing, particularly when drafting patent applications for electrical inventions, which of the following two sentences is better in terms of grammar, clarity, common usage, and so on? 1) The switch is moveable between a first position of being in contact with a terminal and a second position of being out of contact with the terminal. 2) The switch is moveable between a first position in which the switch is in contact with a terminal and a second position in which the switch is out of contact with the terminal.

 

ChatGPT

In technical writing for patent applications, clarity and precision are paramount. Between the two sentences provided, the second one is better in terms of grammar, clarity, and common usage. Here's why:

Sentence Analysis

1. Original Sentence 1:
   • "The switch is moveable between a first position of being in contact with a terminal and a second position of being out of contact with the terminal."
2. Original Sentence 2:
   • "The switch is moveable between a first position in which the switch is in contact with a terminal and a second position in which the switch is out of contact with the terminal."

Grammar and Clarity

• Precision and Redundancy:
  • Sentence 2 is more explicit and avoids the awkward construction "a first position of being." It clearly states what the positions are by using "in which," providing a more precise description.
• Common Usage:
  • Sentence 2 uses a structure that is more commonly seen in technical writing and patent language. The repetition of "the switch is" may seem redundant but enhances clarity by removing any ambiguity about what is being described in each position.

Preferred Sentence

The preferred sentence is:

"The switch is moveable between a first position in which the switch is in contact with a terminal and a second position in which the switch is out of contact with the terminal."

Explanation

• Clarity:

  • Using "in which" makes it explicit that the positions are defined by the switch's contact state with the terminal.
  • Repeating "the switch is" removes any potential ambiguity, ensuring the reader understands the exact condition being described in each position.

• Grammar:

  • The sentence is grammatically sound and avoids complex constructs that might confuse the reader.

• Technical Writing Standards:

  • This construction aligns with the standards of technical writing, especially in legal documents like patent applications, where precision is critical.

Therefore, Sentence 2 is better suited for technical writing in patent applications for electrical inventions.

Me: Forget about what we've said so far. Translate the following into English for patent application purposes. このスイッチは端子と接触する第1位置と、端子と接触しない第2位置の間を移動可能である。

 

ChatGPT

For patent application purposes, the translation of the given Japanese sentence into English is:

"This switch is movable between a first position in which it is in contact with a terminal and a second position in which it is not in contact with the terminal."

This translation maintains clarity, precision, and the formal tone appropriate for a patent application.

Me: Referring back to the answer you've given to my initial question, the first sentence may be awkward, but is it still acceptable? Does it convey the fact that it is the switch that is in contact with the terminal at the first position and out of in contact therewith in the second position?

 

ChatGPT

The first sentence is indeed more awkward, but it is still acceptable in the context of technical writing for a patent application. It conveys the essential information that the switch is in contact with the terminal in the first position and out of contact in the second position. However, the sentence could benefit from slight rephrasing for improved clarity while retaining the original structure.

Here's a slightly revised version for clarity:

"The switch is movable between a first position where it is in contact with a terminal and a second position where it is out of contact with the terminal."

This revision maintains the same meaning and makes it clearer that it is the switch that changes its contact state with the terminal in each position.