～を可能とする、可能にする～を提供、発明の目的、課題

Translate the following into English: この発明は、雑音低減を可能とする音響装置を提供する。

ChatGPT:

The invention provides an acoustic device that enables noise reduction.

あなた:

How about the following translations? Compare them critically from the viewpoints of grammar, readability, usage, etc.

1. The invention provides an acoustic device with which noise reduction can be achieved.

2. The invention provides an acoustic device with which it is possible to reduce noise.

3. The invention provides an acoustic device that makes it possible to reduce noise.

ChatGPT:

Let's compare the translations:

1. "The invention provides an acoustic device with which noise reduction can be achieved."

• Grammar: Grammatically correct.
• Readability: Slightly formal and might come across as somewhat complex due to the phrase "with which."
• Usage: The phrase "can be achieved" emphasizes the potential rather than certainty, which is appropriate for describing the capabilities of an invention.

2. "The invention provides an acoustic device with which it is possible to reduce noise."

• Grammar: Grammatically correct.
• Readability: Slightly less smooth due to the inclusion of "it is possible," which adds an extra element to the sentence.
• Usage: This version emphasizes the possibility rather than the action itself. It’s somewhat less direct but clear.

3. "The invention provides an acoustic device that makes it possible to reduce noise."

• Grammar: Grammatically correct.
• Readability: The most readable of the three, as it flows more naturally and uses simpler language.
• Usage: This translation is straightforward and clear. The phrase "makes it possible" is commonly used in English and conveys both potential and capability effectively.

Conclusion:

• Best Option: Translation 3 is the best in terms of readability and clarity. It balances the technical description with a natural flow that would be easily understood by most readers.
• Alternative Option: Translation 1 is a good alternative if you want to maintain a slightly more formal tone.
• Less Preferred: Translation 2 is clear but slightly less fluid due to the extra phrase "it is possible." It’s still correct but less preferred for readability.

あなた:

Do you think the initial translation you provided is the best?

ChatGPT:

The initial translation I provided—"The invention provides an acoustic device that enables noise reduction."—is concise and clear, which makes it a strong option. However, upon comparing it with the other versions, I recognize that it lacks the nuance of explicitly stating the device's capability in the same way as the other translations.

Evaluation of the Initial Translation:

• Grammar: It is grammatically correct.
• Readability: It’s straightforward and easy to read, which is a positive aspect.
• Usage: The phrase "enables noise reduction" is clear but slightly less specific than phrases like "makes it possible" or "can be achieved."

Comparison:

• Conciseness: The initial translation is the most concise, which can be an advantage in technical writing.
• Clarity: While clear, it does not explicitly state the potential or possibility of noise reduction as clearly as the other options.
• Formality: The phrase "enables noise reduction" is a bit more general compared to "with which noise reduction can be achieved" or "makes it possible to reduce noise."

Conclusion:

The initial translation is effective and easy to understand, but it might not be the "best" if you want to emphasize the capability or potential of the device more explicitly. If you prefer a more explicit description of the device's function, Translation 3 ("The invention provides an acoustic device that makes it possible to reduce noise.") might be a better choice.