In the black
In the black
(OP)
1. Does the heading mean in profit or making losses?
2. Which is the right phrase: under the circumstances or in the circumstances ?
Thanks.
2. Which is the right phrase: under the circumstances or in the circumstances ?
Thanks.





RE: In the black
Regards,
Cory
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: In the black
TTFN
RE: In the black
But just because black and red represent positve and negative does not always mean that black is good and red is bad. In golf, you want you score in red numbers, not black numbers.
I've always associated "under" with circumstances, but "in" with a situation.
Under these circumstances -- In this situation
RE: In the black
RE: In the black
I would have believed one would use in when the circumstances already exist whereas one would use under when the circumstances do not exist yet.
Another perspective is to look at how we use the word conditions. Since they are synonymous their conditions of use should also be alike.
RE: In the black
In old-time ledgers, you used black ink for a "normal" entry - for example, an expense in an account designated for debits would be black. If you returned the merchandise the entry in the "expense" account would be red because it was added to a designated-negative account. "In the Red" means that when you add up all the accounts (each with it's proper sign) you have more debits than credits and the total is in the "wrong" color.
David
RE: In the black
In Taiwan Red indicates a positive gain while green indicates a negative. Go figure!
RE: In the black
black = positive (+)
red = negative (-)
in electronics:
black = negative (-)
red = positive (+)
hmmm....
http://www.EsoxRepublic.com
RE: In the black
Negative numbers are usually shown in red text as noted above, but are also frequently seen enclosed in parenthesis. In the left column, below, are example numbers that most of us recognise, and in the right column are the accountant's format:
1201 = 1201
-1201 = 1201
-1201 = (1201)
-1201 = (1201)
Does anyone know the origin of this custom?
-----------------------------------
Start each new day with a smile.
Get it over with.
RE: In the black
I don't know if this is the whole explanation, but it seems to make sense.
RE: In the black
Black is red and plus is minus.
I use it now and then to check if people are really (I mean REALLY) listening to what I say. People mostly nod knowingly. I then ask them to repeat what I just said. And - this is interesting - many do repeat the words just the way I said them. Without blinking. Try it!
RE: In the black
I hope someone doesn't read your post of 3/25, and go out to my auto and try to hook up my battery cables.
rmw
RE: In the black
RE: In the black
See TheTick's post from 2004 March 25.
Regards,
Cory
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: In the black
It was several posts after mine that TheTick introduced electronics into the discussion. When you take things out of order, or out of context, you will almost always get the meanings twisted.