Eck. A framework is a supporting infrastructure that isn't the thing being discussed. We have the .Net framework from M$. It doesn't do much by itself, but added in with other components it ENABLES something. Thus a framework is an enabler. I would much prefer to be enabled than disabled. -----Original Message----- From: SUNTER Bede Howard, Let me start by saying: I know how you feel. Myself, I take issue with 'weak' words, especially weak verbs like 'identify' and 'address'. "At the meeting, a number of issues were identified and addressed" -- we didn't actually do anything but we sure addressed those issues we identified ... Now here's the problem: it's all very well to pet-hate the words, but as an editor, what are you going to do about them? There seems to be no substitute for the word 'framework' in its bureaucratic context. It means (AFAICS) a loose amalgamation of policies, procedures, projects and people that will attempt to blunder its way, more or less systematically, through a maze of red tape, petty tyrannies and funding cuts. If you, as a fully qualified and righteous TC can't think of a better word than 'framework' then can you reasonably expect others to? If you can, then you are entitled, nay, honour-bound, to provide it to your audience. You were on the right track with the question you put in your post: 'what on earth is this sentence really *about*?' As a professional writer, that's the question you answer on behalf of your readers. ************************************************** To post a message to austechwriter, send the message to austechwriter@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx To subscribe to austechwriter, send a message to austechwriter-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "subscribe" in the Subject field. To unsubscribe, send a message to austechwriter-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe" in the Subject field. To search the austechwriter archives, go to www.freelists.org/archives/austechwriter To contact the list administrator, send a message to austechwriter-admins@xxxxxxxxxxxxx **************************************************