TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
>
> Option B, revised to active voice:
>
> [B] To expand the folder, click the plus sign.
>
>
>
> Yves Barbion wrote:
> > Hello techwhirlers,
> >
> > just wondering, which do you prefer (and why):
> >
> > [A] Click the plus sign to expand the folder.
> >
> > OR
> >
> > [B] Expand the folder by clicking the plus sign.
> >
>
Okay I'm going to answer [B] to Yves original query, but I have to
quibble a bit with the proposed revision. I think the alternative
offered actually makes the command _more_ passive. "Expand the folder"
is an active and direct phrase. Someone else responded to Yves that
"Expand" is stronger and more direct than the "Click" that begins option
[A] and I fully agree.
If you turn that active command around by making "Expand" an infinitive
"To expand," it dilutes and diminishes the direction to the user. Sorry
to quibble, but in this particular case the phrasing Yves suggested is
more direct and active than the proposed revision.
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail, purge it and do not disseminate or copy it.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Now Shipping -- WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word! Easily create online
Help. And online anything else. Redesigned interface with a new
project-based workflow. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
