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I struggle with this all the time. I was always taught that you should
tell them where to go before telling them what to do, especially if it
could harm. I've recently changed my mind about this because I haven't
seen many other professional manuals using this methodology. I'm writing a
manual now and have begun with "Click XYZ button from the ABC menu,
etc..." instead of the reverse, which I had used for years. We'll see how
it goes.
"Keith Hansen" <KRH -at- weiland-wfg -dot- com>
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Subject
Preposition at Beginning or End?
Which sentence do you prefer:
Sentence No. 1: "From the Country drop-down list, select USA."
Sentence No. 2: "Select USA from the Country drop-down list."
To me, the first example is more logical: first, you tell them where to
go, then you tell them what to do. However, the second example is more
conversational (resembles spoken English).
Please vote for No. 1 or No. 2. Please include a reason for your
preference. I REALLY would like to see if there is any consensus here.
ALSO: Consider this sentence:
* "Click in the Name text box and type your name."
I would never write this sentence:
* "In the Name text box, click and type your name."
It sounds totally wrong to begin with a preposition here--but not so
wrong in Sentence No. 1 above. Why?
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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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