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  2. French to English

sensible à l'usure

English translation: ((see below))

07:19 Jul 30, 2000
French to English translations [PRO]
Tech/Engineering
French term or phrase: sensible à l'usure
"Les bordures de ces trottoirs sont constituées de blocs généralement de tuf volcanique ou de calcaire du Sarno, deux roches sensibles à l'usure, qui se creusent continuellement et déforment l'aspect des rues"

I have translated the above sentence as follows:

"The kerbs of these pavements are normally formed from blocks of volcanic tuff or Sarno limestone, which in being soft rocks, are continually worn down giving the streets an uneven appearance."

I have understood "sensible à l'usure" as referring to the fact that the pavement kerbs quickly wore down because they were built from these soft rocks. I would just like to know if anyone thinks my translation is accurate as I don't feel that "sentive to wear and tear" would sound right. Many thanks
Helen
English translation:((see below))
Explanation:
Breaking the sentence into two would help clarify the situation. May I suggest: "The kerbs of these pavements areusually made of blocks of volcanic tuff or Sarno limestone. These rocks, which are relatively soft, are continually worn down, giving the streets an uneven appearance."
Selected response from:

Heathcliff
United States
Local time: 12:33
Grading comment
Many thanks as always.
3 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
naare continously subjected to wear and tear
Telesforo Fernandez (X)
naprone to wear and tear...
rnoel (X)
na((see below))
Heathcliff
naSpelling of "kerbs"
Ronda Cunningham


  

Answers


15 mins
are continously subjected to wear and tear


Explanation:
This also would do. Your version is also correct.

Telesforo Fernandez (X)
Local time: 01:03
PRO pts in pair: 216
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2 hrs
prone to wear and tear...


Explanation:
Your interpretation is correct. "prone" can be used in reference to inanimate object. Definition found on line, through OneLook Dictionary.


    Reference: http://www.dictionary.com/cgi-bin/dict.pl?term=prone
rnoel (X)
PRO pts in pair: 31
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7 hrs
((see below))


Explanation:
Breaking the sentence into two would help clarify the situation. May I suggest: "The kerbs of these pavements areusually made of blocks of volcanic tuff or Sarno limestone. These rocks, which are relatively soft, are continually worn down, giving the streets an uneven appearance."

Heathcliff
United States
Local time: 12:33
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in pair: 953
Grading comment
Many thanks as always.
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

12 hrs
Spelling of "kerbs"


Explanation:
If this happens to be for a US audience, "curbs" would be better than "kerbs." Otherwise I have no further suggestions.

Ronda Cunningham
United States
Local time: 13:33
PRO pts in pair: 3
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