Values manager vs. value manager

Question

When writing software documentation I very often have to describe things like a value manager, a value cache or a device map. These are usually components of the software system.

In practice the manager does of course not manage a single value but many and the map does not map only a single device etc.

My question is: is it more common to speak of a values manager instead of a value manager and of a devices map instead of a device map etc.?

Does this answer your question? When are attributive nouns plural? — Stuart F, Mar 22 '21 at 13:21
@StuartF thanks, yes, I think it answers most of it. I'm not sure, whether my focus on technical documentation makes any difference though. — NicolasR, Mar 22 '21 at 17:24

score 2 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 22 '21 at 13:53

2

The job title is awkward but clear enough. “Value” is about cost estimates, savings, and such. “Values” is about watching the moral compass.

answered Mar 22 '21 at 13:53

Sorry the example wasn't the best for the title. "Device manager" vs. "Devices manager" would have been better. You would still go for singular in the other examples? – NicolasR Mar 22 '21 at 17:24
1

@NicolasR. Generally yes, unless the manager runs a department or project whose name is in plural. Device manager (or map), absolutely. But: Parts manager, sales manager, public relations manager, because those departments are Parts, Sales, etc. – Mar 22 '21 at 18:30

Values manager vs. value manager

1 Answers1