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Use a pronoun and you will see that you will want to keep the verb and its preposition separate. Consider the following sentences:
After you open the box, setup the system. - sounds ok, but doesn't look right to me.
After you open the box, set up the system. - to me this seems ok.
After you open the box, set the system up. - ok.
After you open the box, set it up. - ok.
After you open the box, set up it. - ugh.
After you open the box, setup it. - double ugh.
As a noun it's a different story.
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+paul -dot- inbar=intel -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+paul -dot- inbar=intel -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of Ladonna Weeks
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 10:48 PM
To: 'TECHWR-L'
Subject: compound word usage
Hello,
I know that it is technically correct to split "setup", "login",
and "logout" into two words when using them as verbs but I see
them quite often as one-word verbs. The GUI for our new product
is replete with them. My inclination is to let them be since it
appears to me to be an emerging trend of usage in the industry.
What do you think?
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
Now shipping: Help & Manual 4 with RoboHelp(r) import! New editor,
full Unicode support. Create help files, web-based help and PDF in up
to 106 languages with Help & Manual: http://www.helpandmanual.com
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