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.
Re: Old thread, hopefully new spin on "allow" v. "enable."
Subject:Re: Old thread, hopefully new spin on "allow" v. "enable." From:"Tim Altom" <taltom -at- simplywritten -dot- com> To:"TechDoc List" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 7 Mar 2000 14:29:46 -0500
I have to admit to disliking both. Both sound a bit stuffy and formal. And
yes, "allows" does smack of permission.
I'd favor recasting the sentence into a bit more vigorous form, such as
Use the Cost Wizard to add, edit, and delete customized pricing structures.
As a general rule, the fewer the words, the plainer the explanation.
Tim Altom
Simply Written, Inc.
Featuring FrameMaker and the Clustar Method(TM)
"Better communication is a service to mankind."
317.562.9298
Check our Web site for the upcoming Clustar class info http://www.simplywritten.com
>
> EXAMPLE:
> Not
> The Cost Wizard <ALLOWS> you to add, edit, and delete customized pricing
> structures.
>
> Instead
> The Cost Wizard <ENABLES> you to add, edit, and delete customized pricing
> structures.
>