1. Noprefix00

    Noprefix00 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2012
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    0

    Periodic use

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Noprefix00, Apr 6, 2013.

    Hi, just a quick question. Does this make sense?

    The steps of a ladder are at periodic levels.

    If not is there a different word you would suggest?

    Thanks.
     
  2. jannert

    jannert Retired Mod Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 7, 2013
    Messages:
    17,674
    Likes Received:
    19,889
    Location:
    Scotland
    Does the concept of 'evenly spaced' help in any way? It's the first thing that came to mind, anyway...
     
  3. Mithrandir

    Mithrandir New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2012
    Messages:
    291
    Likes Received:
    16
    Location:
    In the general vicinity of the Atlantic Ocean
    Wouldn't people assume the steps were even unless you indicated otherwise? (Not to say you can't be pointing to a difference between previously encountered ladders which had uneven steps.)
     
  4. Jhunter

    Jhunter Mmm, bacon. Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2011
    Messages:
    1,218
    Likes Received:
    45
    Location:
    Southern California
    Context for this would help a lot.
     
  5. minstrel

    minstrel Leader of the Insquirrelgency Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2010
    Messages:
    10,742
    Likes Received:
    9,991
    Location:
    Near Sedro Woolley, Washington
    Evenly spaced, regularly spaced, at regular intervals, etc.
     
  6. peachalulu

    peachalulu Member Reviewer Contributor

    Joined:
    May 20, 2012
    Messages:
    4,620
    Likes Received:
    3,807
    Location:
    occasionally Oz , mainly Canada
    I agree that context would help as I'm not sure why you're describing a ladder in detail, as a ladder is
    pretty much self-explanatory.
     
  7. Noprefix00

    Noprefix00 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2012
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    0
    Yes sorry I agree. It actually has nothing to do with a ladder, I just found that easier to explain. Currently, this is my sentence:

    The trees around the plains were all similar: twisting up high with their branches drooping off at periodic levels.

    Basically, the branches that run up the tree trunk are evenly spaced. Would periodic work here?
     
  8. SwampDog

    SwampDog Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2013
    Messages:
    407
    Likes Received:
    109
    Location:
    Back in Blighty
    .
    I don't think you mean that all the trees had their branches drooping at the same point? And you're talking about more than one plain here?

    The trees around the plain(s) were similar: trunks twisting towards the heavens, their branches drooping.


    Describing the trees as similar would indicate to the reader that they were perhaps of the same species, or closely related.
     
  9. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    'periodic' makes no sense in re physical spacing...

    and that sentence makes no sense, either, sorry to say...

    what you seem to mean is:

    follow that best of all writer's axioms, 'less is more'... and its old army cousin, the 'K.I.S.S.!' principle, for good, readable writing...

    love and hugs, maia
     
  10. Noprefix00

    Noprefix00 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2012
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    0
    Well I guess I came here to hear that! Yes there are multiple plains, and what I'm trying to say is that all the trees are the same (except one feature which I describe in the next sentence) and their branches grow from evenly spaced points up the tree. I suppose it's kind of like an artificial Christmas tree, how would you describe the spacing on that?
     
  11. SwampDog

    SwampDog Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2013
    Messages:
    407
    Likes Received:
    109
    Location:
    Back in Blighty
    .
    Regular.
     
  12. SwampDog

    SwampDog Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2013
    Messages:
    407
    Likes Received:
    109
    Location:
    Back in Blighty
    .
    Duplicate post.
     
  13. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    evenly-spaced
     
  14. Noprefix00

    Noprefix00 New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 20, 2012
    Messages:
    17
    Likes Received:
    0
    Went for evenly spaced in the end, but thanks for all the responses, can always trust this website to deliver the goods!
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice