Hi,

From: "Johan Holmberg" <holmberg / iar.se>
> 
> On Fri, 18 Apr 2003, Yukihiro Matsumoto wrote:
> > |
> > |    ex1.rb:4: warning: ambiguous first argument; make sure
> >
> > make sure whether what you wrote is either
> >
> >   * regexp as the first argument
> >   * division "str.gsub! / a"
> >
> > wrap arguments with parentheses, if you don't want to see the
> > warning.
> >
> 
> Thanks for the explanation.
> 
> I feel that the "make sure" phrase of the warning message doesn't
> add anything to help me understand the warning (it rather made me
> confused). If it always has to do with missing parentheses, wouldn't
> it be better to mention that, or otherwise just remove the "make
> sure" part ?

Just to chime in, I'd also agree that in idiomatic English, the
"make sure" indeed tends to read like the latter part of the
warning message has gone missing or has been truncated somehow.  :)

A couple suggestions for possibly clearer alternatives:

double-check
verify intent

..."scrutinize" ? :)


Regards,

Bill