In the last post we discussed precision of language in the parallel structure necessitated by either/or and neither/nor constructions. In this post, we continue the theme of precision of language with respect to respective and respectively (pun intended).
Respective is an adjective which means belonging or relating separately to each of two or more elements. Respectively is an adverb meaning separately or individually in the order already mentioned. Although the two words are very much related, they are different parts of speech and so are not interchangeable.
That being said, more effective technical writers often find the use of these two words unnecessary. Consider the example sentence in the graphic above. This sentence is grammatically correct. Now compare that sentence with this equally grammatically correct revision.
Respective is an adjective which means belonging or relating separately to each of two or more elements. Respectively is an adverb meaning separately or individually in the order already mentioned. Although the two words are very much related, they are different parts of speech and so are not interchangeable.
That being said, more effective technical writers often find the use of these two words unnecessary. Consider the example sentence in the graphic above. This sentence is grammatically correct. Now compare that sentence with this equally grammatically correct revision.
Pintail support cracking, inner nozzle corrosion, and TBC adhesion failure are the most common failure modes the fleet experiences to date.
This sentence is more concise and more direct than its original version. In addition, it retains most if not all of the essential meaning conveyed in the original. Thus, the revision represents more effective technical writing. Likewise, a writer could improve the sentence
The failure modes inflicted their respective damage to the assembly.
by making it more concise while retaining the essential meaning. Consider this revision:
Each failure mode inflicted damage to the assembly.
Sometimes trying to sound smart can stand in the way of more effective technical writing. And more effective technical writers know it’s smarter always to strive to produce more effective technical writing.
So respect the respective/respectively differences. Often technical writers can achieve more effective technical writing by avoiding the use of respective and respectively. And more effective technical writing better represents both you and your brands to your audience.
So respect the respective/respectively differences. Often technical writers can achieve more effective technical writing by avoiding the use of respective and respectively. And more effective technical writing better represents both you and your brands to your audience.
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