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Dec 31, 2010 13:25
13 yrs ago
14 viewers *
English term

Measuring vs Measurement

English Tech/Engineering Electronics / Elect Eng
Hi all,
I am working on a technical text (in Spanish).
The text is about electrical networks. In the network there are boundary points, which are chosen as "puntos de medida", points in which a specific measuring equipment will measure specific values.

I have a scientific background, so I would go for "measurement points": in this case I would pick "measurement" because the point is "passive", the point does not "perform" the measurement. If I were to choose "measuring point" I would think that the point has an "active" part in the process (e.g. the point on a probe or sensor).

Please note: this is not a linguistic problem, it is mostly a matter of knowing networks and of being familiar with a specific forma mentis. Please refrain from posting google "numbers", just give your advice, which will be highly appreciated :).

What would you guys pick?
TIA
Responses
5 +6 measurement point
4 +1 Both can be considered correct. Choice is entirely subjective.
Votes to reclassify question as PRO/non-PRO:

Non-PRO (1): mediamatrix (X)

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Discussion

Paul Lambert Dec 31, 2010:
Just my 2c worth... This sounds very much like "test points". While not a literal translation, the context sort of hints at this. I will not offer it as an answer since you all seem tho know what you are talking about; however, I would be interested in hearing other opinions on why "test points" would would not be appropriate.

Responses

+6
12 mins
Selected

measurement point

Since you are only asking us to pick, I'd say that you should use 'measurement point' and that's, in fact, the correct term to use.

Hope this helps.
Peer comment(s):
agree Jennifer Levey : Obvio...
14 mins
Thanks.
agree Jack Doughty
16 mins
Thanks.
agree Demi Ebrite
45 mins
Thanks.
agree Thayenga
3 hrs
Thanks.
agree Phong Le
11 hrs
Thanks.
agree Katalin Horváth McClure
14 hrs
Thanks.
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Thank you very much. "
+1
1 day 2 hrs

Both can be considered correct. Choice is entirely subjective.

English isn't a very logical language; or to be more precise, native English speakers are often not logical. Some will say measuring points just because it sounds more dynamic. Just like some people say utilize instead of use. I am not suggesting you descend to the lowest common denominator when you are translating -- go ahead and be logical and use measurement -- I agree with you. But if you were writing for, say, a politician, he might change your phrasing to measuring point because it sounds more active and forceful.
Note from asker:
Thank you Joshua. I really appreciate your contribution. I am originally a scientist and often the choice of a specific term makes a big difference in this field. I would always follow logics. Thank you, again.
Peer comment(s):
agree Tony M : Yes, let's face it, it's a point for 'measuring' or 'making measurements', isn't it?
18 mins
Something went wrong...
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