[化学論文のための英語講座] 第59回：間違え探し

(English version is here.)

研究の背景として書かれた以下の文章、括弧の中の語句を、より適切な語句に置き換えてみましょう。

The need for reliable energy sources and effective means of power generation (is) a focus of human attention since the beginning of the industrial revolution. (In spite) dramatic increases in efficiency and reduction of environmental burden, continued reliance on fossil fuels leads to environmental consequences, such as pollution and global warming... Among the various technologies (explored) to address power needs, many of them (required) the use of critical elements, and in order to fully exploit them, efficient (using) replacements must be addressed.
和訳：信頼できるエネルギー源と効果的な発電手段の必要性は、産業革命が始まって以来、人々の注目を集めてきた。劇的な効率の向上と環境負荷の軽減にもかかわらず、化石燃料への継続的な依存は、汚染や地球温暖化などの環境への影響をもたらしている。電力需要に対応するために研究されている様々な技術の中で維持するために、それらの多くは重要な要素の使用を必要とし、それらを十分に活用するために、交換問題の効率的な使用を解決する必要がある。

[答]

1. 文節の時間軸は「since the beginning」で述べていますので、「has been」の方が適切です。

2. 前置詞が欠けているので「In spite of」または「Despite」に直せば良いです。

3. 文章は文法的に正しいですが、文脈を考慮すると動作が継続しているので「being explored」がより適切と考えられます。

4. 3の問題と同じく、状態が継続しているので「require」がより適切と思われます。

5. 先に「efficient」がありますので「use of」が適切です。代わりに「efficiently」があれば「using」のままで良いです。

次回はMethods and Methodologyについてです。

Search for mistakes

In the following passage, replace the words in parenthesis with a more appropriate word or expression. This is written against a research background, so make corrections with this in mind.

The need for reliable energy sources and effective means of power generation (is) a focus of human attention since the beginning of the industrial revolution. (In spite) dramatic increases in efficiency and reduction of environmental burden, continued reliance on fossil fuels leads to environmental consequences, such as pollution and global warming... Among the various technologies (explored) to address power needs, many of them (required) the use of critical elements, and in order to fully exploit them, efficient (using) replacements must be addressed.

Answers:

1. The time frame of the clause is stated as since the beginning so has been is appropriate.

2. This is missing a preposition, so it should be changed to in spite of or despite.

3. This sentence is grammatically correct, however, in context the action is continuous and thus being explored can be considered appropriate.

4. As with problem 3, the condition is continuous and thus require can be considered appropriate.

5. Efficient appears first and thus use of is appropriate. Alternatively, if efficiency appears then using can be left as is.

At next time, we will post about Methods and Methodology.