Scientific Writing for Computer Science Students - FTP Directory ...

62 CHAPTER 4. GRAMMAR WITH STYLE NOTES4.8.5 The comparative – the comparativeThe comparative forms of adjectives can used in a parallel way in the followingstructure:the + comparative + x + comma + the + comparative + y, wherex and y complete the clauses.”The more complex the model is, the better it describes the trainingdata.”If x and y are missing, then no comma:”The sooner the better.”Notice: Use sparsely!4.8.6 Parallel sentencesNumerating properties or ideas is an efficient way to create logical structuresinto paragraphs. The sentences in the list begin by ordinal numbers ”First,Second, Third”. (Notice: you can say ”Firstly”, but there is no need for that!)”X model has three important properties: First, the model structure is easyto understand. This is a critical feature in adaptive learning environments,as we have noted before. Second, the model can be learnt efficiently fromdata. There are feasible algorithms for both numeric and categorial data.Third, the model tolerates noise and missing values.”4.9 Prepositions• Be careful with prepositions. A wrong preposition can give a totallydifferent meaning!• Hint: When you use a preposition, visualize the direction it is signallingand ask yourself if it is appropriate.• If you are unsure about the use of a preposition, ask yourself what acat would do! (Fedor’s sciwri book)Cats sit on mats, go into rooms, are part of the family, roam amongthe flowers.