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My point in the quoted sentence is to introduce a new section where I will list all the machines that are currently available for a given task.

Optional machines to work with

Is the sentence above conveying my point?
Secondly, is it idiomatic as written right now?

RegDwigнt
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utxeee
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    Ending a sentence with a preposition has been discussed on ELU at length (see this question, for example). However, you don't have a sentence in your question, you have a clause (or perhaps a section header). If it's a mere section header, I think you'd be better off using the simpler Optional machines, although it's difficult to say for sure with so little context provided. – J.R. Jan 30 '13 at 09:44
  • I have removed the part that was a clear dupe of the question J.R. linked to. – RegDwigнt Jan 30 '13 at 09:47
  • My problem was, are these machines that process options? Or are they optionally available? Or does it mean yet something else? – SF. Jan 30 '13 at 09:52
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    I'm not sold on using optional here. It conveys the idea that it's OK if you don't pick any, but the way I get the context it's not OK. Why not stick with available? – Khaur Jan 30 '13 at 09:52
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    Can you give more detail about the type of machines? My gut feeling would be to go along with something shorter like: "Other tools", but it depends on the context. – Sylverdrag Jan 30 '13 at 10:01
  • The scenario is something like the following you have your own machine but in need you can use the other ones which are meant for that purpose. – utxeee Jan 30 '13 at 10:17
  • "Machines available for use". – Peter Shor Jan 30 '13 at 11:58
  • Or, "Other available machines". – J.R. Jan 30 '13 at 15:58

2 Answers2

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To start and finish with,

  • Optional machines to work with

is not an English sentence.

It is an English Noun Phrase, with an undetermined head noun machines, modified by an ambiguous modal adjective optional -- optionality of the work or the machines? -- and a subjectless relative infinitive clause to work with.

There are a lot of ambiguities and missing referents in this noun phrase that must be resolved by the (hopefully well-trained) reader. With that many problems already, I don't think the risk of additional outrage over a stranded preposition is even worth considering.

Executive Summary: Start over.

John Lawler
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Your description of the machines made a lot more sense than the particular noun-phrase you use.

With the limited information you've given, I'd suggest "Alternative machines/tools available".

Phire
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