March 22 2016

Readback: One Word, Not Two

ReadbackDespite spell check’s proclamations otherwise, readback is a compound word that exists.

Wiktionary defines readback as follows: (1) (Computing) The act of reading data back from a location where it has been stored. (2) (Aviation, telecommunications) The repetition of a message one has received, in order to acknowledge it. (3) The reading aloud by a court reporter or stenographer of testimony previously taken down in stenographic dictation, usually at the request of the presiding judge or parties involved in a deposition.”

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January 17 2013

Rules Of Grammar: Awhile vs A While

“Awhile” is used as an adverb. “A while” is used as a noun.

Here are some examples for how they should be used:
We have a while left before the train arrives.
I saw my friend a while ago.
We waited awhile for the bus.
She ran awhile.

Here’s a trick that usually works: If you can use “for a while” as a substitute, then using “awhile” will likely be the right choice when choosing between, “a while” and “awhile.”

Machine Briefs:
awhile= A/WHAOIL
a while= AEU/WHAOIL

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December 12 2012

Rules Of Grammar: Anytime vs. Any Time

When “anytime” is used to mean “whenever,” it is written in one word. For example, “Come visit me anytime you are in my neighborhood.”

However, when it is used after a preposition, such as “at,” it is written in two words. For example, “Have you seen her at any time in the past two weeks?”

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