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Subject:Re: "Ability" or "allows" From:Tim Altom <taltom -at- SIMPLYWRITTEN -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 22 Jun 1999 12:26:53 -0500
Both seem a bit wordy to me. All other things being equal, I suppose the one
with the smallest word count is preferable. But why not "Use this selection
to..." or "click here to..." It's quick, accurate, precise, uses basic
Anglo-Saxon words, and is capable of simple translation.
Outside California, most of us aren't painfully concerned with empowerment,
so why not cut to the chase and not worry about the subtle nuances of the
language? And isn't "use this to" more precise? We don't usually sell
software or anything else for permission, to allow, to permit, or any
permutations of the kind. We sell it to do a job. Most users I've known
don't object to abrupt language. They just want it clear and consistent.
Tim Altom
Simply Written, Inc.
Featuring FrameMaker and the Clustar Method(TM)
"Better communication is a service to mankind."
317.562.9298 http://www.simplywritten.com
>The question of the day :-)
>
>The context is a procedure that is initiated by
>selecting a command from a dropdown list from a menu
>bar. Ok, if you must ask, yes, it is an icon :-{
>
>--------------------------
>
>"This selection gives you the ability to define the
>countries..."
>
> or
>
>"This selection allows you to define the countries..."
>
>-------------------------
>
>BTW, FWIW, my choice is the first example.
>
