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"Record the displayed calculations" is instructing the reader to do that.
"Optionally, record the displayed calculations" would make it clear
that it's optional.
If you're just describing what the window can be used for, "You can
record the displayed calculations" is OK per the Microsoft style
guide.
On Tue, Oct 15, 2013 at 12:52 PM, <M -dot- Vina-Baltsas -at- mindray -dot- com> wrote:
> I'm editing a Chinese to English translated manual. I've noticed that "you
> can" is repeated all over the place. I don't feel it's necessary. I think
> this could easily be left out and be understood as seen in the second
> sentence. BTW, I'm not looking to change the other parts of the sentence,
> just want to gather opinions about the use of "you can". TIA.
>
> 1) *You can* record the displayed calculations or perform another
> calculation is this window.
>
> 2) *Record* the displayed calculations or perform another calculation is
> this window.
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