Expert: Deena Madnick - 1/14/2004

Question
I have a question about the usage of the verb "store".  In a website, I found two expressions having differnt usage of "store".  " Files and documents are stored on disks, a form of storage that stores data magnetically...", and " data storege where data is stored in formats that can be accessed by other parties..."   I checked the dictionary. It says that the verb "store" means a person stocks or saves a thing in preparation for....
Cannot an object store a thing?
If a storage cannot store data, is "storage that stores data" wrong?

Answer
Dear Mineko,

It's a pleasure for me to answer your question about the meaning and use of the word "store" in the example you give.

You write that you used a dictionary that says "the verb store means a person who stocks or saves a thing in preparation for.."

Question: Cannot an object store thing?
Answer: Yes.

You can substitute the verb "holds" or "held" for the word "stores" or "stored" in your example. (The past tense of "hold" is "held.")

So, "Files and documents are stored [HELD] on disks, a form of storage that HOLDS data magnetically...", and " data storege where data is stored [HELD] in formats that can be accessed by other parties..." I checked the dictionary. It says that the verb "store" means a person stocks or saves a thing in preparation for....

TWO QUESTIONS FOR YOU
1. Did your dictionary have more than one meaning listed?
2. What is the name of the company that published your dictionary?

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
When looking for a definition, may I suggest you use a college dictionary with a good reputation. (I find Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition, fits my own requirements.) A collegiate dictionary will often list more than one definition for a word like "store." Then you can decide which meaning fits the word you looked up.

I hope my answer to your question helps.

Best wishes for your success,
Deena Madnick
Copywrite Technical Writing & Editorial Services
Worcester, Massachusetts
USA