ambulatory /ambyool
t
ri/
• adjective 1 relating to walking or able to walk. 2 movable; mobile. • noun (pl. ambulatories) an aisle or cloister in a church or monastery.
Miss Information says: Most children are ambulatory by the time they are one year old. Although the sentence is technically correct, it would generally be preferable to say : Most children can walk by the time they are one year old. A doctor is more likely to write in a report “ the patient was ambulatory” Rather than the patient could walk. A sign in a hospital might read “ This ward is for ambulatory patients.” Rather than this ward is for patients who are capable of walking.. Choose a level of language which is appropriate and to refrain from using complex words when simpler words will do.