Section 10.3 Language Structures & English Grammar
As with the other sections in the Knowledge Structures chapter, the goal here is not to provide exhaustive documentation of best practices, common conventions, or every rule of English grammar. Instead, the Language Structures & English Grammar section is a practical learning interface built specifically to accommodate the author’s lifelong talent for treating grammar as a problem for her "future self."
The current objective is simple: to build a personal reference hub that supports some much-needed cognitive upgrading in written communication and grammatical proficiency. The hope is that, over time, this resource will make it easier to communicate ideas clearly, reduce reliance on AI to do the grammatical and linguistic heavy lifting, and, most importantly, foster greater independence and confidence as a writer.
Subsection 10.3.1 Patent Claim Transitional Phrases
| Phrase | Meaning | Additional Elements Permitted? | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| comprising | Open-ended; includes at least the listed elements. | Yes | A widget comprising A, B, and C may also contain D and E. |
| consisting of | Closed; limited to exactly the listed elements. | No | A widget consisting of A, B, and C excludes D and E. |
| consisting essentially of | Partially open; additional elements are allowed if they do not affect the invention. | Sometimes | A widget consisting essentially of A, B, and C may include minor additives that do no change its essential characteristics. |
Memory Aid.
- Comprising
-
\(A \subseteq X\)Corresponds with an open claim.Such claims set minimum requirements.
- Consisting of
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\(A = X\)Corresponds with a closed claim.Such claims set exact specifications.
- Consisting essentially of
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\(A \approx X\)Corresponds with a semi-open claim.
