1. dillseed

    dillseed Active Member

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    terminable offense

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by dillseed, May 20, 2014.

    Is the expression terminable offense a valid one? I often hear HR professionals use it to refer to 'a transgression or violation that can result in the termination of one's employment.'

    Example:
    Sexual harassment is a terminable offense; so is drinking alcohol on the clock.

    Have you ever heard of the usage 'terminable offense,' along with the definition above?

    Thank you.
     
  2. thirdwind

    thirdwind Member Contest Administrator Reviewer Contributor

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    I've heard HR people use it as well, though I don't consider it correct. The phrase implies, at least grammatically, that the offense itself can be terminated, not the job.
     
  3. stevesh

    stevesh Banned Contributor

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    I've heard it too, but like a lot of what HR people do, it's wrong.
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

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    ditto both posts above... the word means 'able to be terminated' not 'cause for termination'...
     
  5. Mike Kobernus

    Mike Kobernus Senior Member

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    Surely it would be a "terminatable offense?" An offense for which you could be terminated...
     
  6. dillseed

    dillseed Active Member

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    I cannot find 'terminatable' in OneLook.
     

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