A little grammar help please.

SourChipmunk · 22 Sep 2008 at 21:06

Yes, 'tis an American asking for grammar assistance.

I closed out a comment earlier with the line, "The tape library has been tested functional." My coworker is telling me that doesn't seem to be a complete sentence. Though I admit it sounds a little different, I see no reason it is not grammatically correct. I'm sure someone here can tell me why.

Did I conjugate my verbs and cross my 't's properly?

Ben M · 22 Sep 2008 at 21:08

The tape library has been tested for functionality.

or

The tape library has been tested, and is functional.

or

The tape library has been deemed functional.

gumbald · 22 Sep 2008 at 21:09

How do you test something functional?

You find it functional after testing.

SourChipmunk · 22 Sep 2008 at 21:11

He said if I included the word "as" it would be proper. I'm just trying to understand why.

strudey · 22 Sep 2008 at 21:14

The sentence makes one read 'tested' as a noun, whereas in this case you're using it as a verb. Removing 'been' would help somewhat.

dymetrie · 22 Sep 2008 at 21:15

Tested 'and has found to be' functional.

Kell_ee001 · 22 Sep 2008 at 21:15

Raist said:
Yes, 'tis an American asking for grammar assistance.

I thought that as soon as I saw the thread title

Sorry!

GeForce · 22 Sep 2008 at 21:24

'To test functional' doesn't really work. What you mean is 'to be proven functional'.

SourChipmunk · 22 Sep 2008 at 21:41

Kell_ee001 said:
I thought that as soon as I saw the thread title Sorry!

If I knew how to blow you a raspberry in a forum, I would do so.

dymetrie · 22 Sep 2008 at 21:48

Raist said:
If I knew how to blow you a raspberry in a forum, I would do so.

"Pbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb" is the usual method

You can put on your CV "Approved by the grammar nazis of Britain" as well

Kell_ee001 · 22 Sep 2008 at 22:26

Raist said:
If I knew how to blow you a raspberry in a forum, I would do so.

n00b!

Redz · 22 Sep 2008 at 22:37

Ben M said:
The tape library has been tested, and is functional

Mr^B · 22 Sep 2008 at 23:43

"Functional" is an adjective, it needs to be applied TO something for it to make sense.

The following make no sense...

"The elephant has been tested large."
"The ball has been thrown blue."

As it stands the sentence is ambiguous, has it been tested and found to be functional, or has it been tested for functionality (the result of which is unknown)?

Russinating · 22 Sep 2008 at 23:46

The tape library has been tested and is functional.

loltim · 22 Sep 2008 at 23:53

"Fully functional", said jemima puddle-duck, who'd just finished testing the tape library.

Any good?