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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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surface to the surface

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surface to the surface" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe something that moves or transitions from one surface to another, but the repetition makes it confusing. Example: "The paint needs to be applied evenly, ensuring that it adheres well and transitions smoothly from the surface to the surface of the canvas."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A modified Grahame equation relating the ion concentration at the surface to the surface charge density is obtained.

Some want massive rockets hurling astronauts from Earth's surface to the surface of Mars.

News & Media

Huffington Post

The GI is the ratio of the area of the midthickness cortical surface to the surface area of the cerebral hull.

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Protein-surface interactions are ubiquitous in the crowded cytosol, where proteins encounter a variety of surfaces, ranging from membranes surfaces, to the surfaces presented by chaperone molecules.

The residual stress change from the bottom surface to the top surface of the nickel film is −97.7 MPa.

The salted solution transfers in three directions after arriving on the fabric specimen top surface i.e. spreading outward on top surface transfer from top surface to the bottom surface and spreading outward on bottom surface.

Pleural tags are defined as linear strands that extend from the nodule surface to the pleural surface.

From the currents that spread their polyps from surface to surface, to the weeks it takes for them to begin growing, each coral is a one-of-a-kind work of art.

News & Media

Vice

Also, as previously reported, TuJ1+ neurons were observed across the entire neocortex, from the ventricular surface to the pial surface in the RbpjLox/Lox NestinCre forebrains (Fig. 4G).

Science

Plosone

The locations of the MEG sensors with respect to the anatomy were determined by registering the digitized head surface to the head surface extracted from the structural MRI.

Science

eLife

The water that travels over the soil surface to the nearest surface stream; runoff of a drainage basin that has not passed beneath the surface since precipitation.

Formal & Business

FAO
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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "surface to the surface" in formal writing. Opt for clearer alternatives like "from one surface to another" or "across the surface" to ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid repetitive phrasing; using "surface to the surface" can sound awkward. Instead, focus on precisely describing the transition or relationship between surfaces.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surface to the surface" functions as a descriptive element, attempting to indicate a relationship or transition between two surfaces. However, as Ludwig AI suggests, the construction is not grammatically sound and lacks clarity. It often appears in scientific contexts, but its usage is questionable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surface to the surface" is grammatically questionable and lacks clarity. While it appears in contexts like Science and News & Media, Ludwig AI points out that it's not standard English. For improved communication, consider using alternatives such as "from one surface to another" or "across the surface". It is important to focus on precise language to accurately convey the intended meaning, avoiding redundant phrasing that detracts from clarity. Always strive for grammatical accuracy and select alternatives to ensure your writing is clear and effective.

FAQs

What's a more grammatically sound way to say "surface to the surface"?

Instead of "surface to the surface", consider using the phrase "from one surface to another" for better clarity and grammatical correctness.

How can I describe movement across a surface?

To describe movement across a surface, a good alternative to "surface to the surface" is "across the surface", which clearly indicates motion along a surface.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "surface to the surface"?

Given that "surface to the surface" is not grammatically correct, it's better to avoid using this phrase in both formal and informal contexts. Opt for clearer alternatives such as "between the surfaces".

What are some alternatives to "surface to the surface" when comparing two surfaces?

If you're comparing two surfaces, you can use alternatives like "surface relation" or "comparing surface" instead of "surface to the surface" for better precision and understanding.

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Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.2/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: