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Not all of your examples are in the same class as "simply."
"You must" is often used in technical writing to draw the reader's
attention to a step or sequence that's crucial, mandatory, or easily
missed.
"To restrict certain users" is not the same as "To restrict users." The
latter could be misinterpreted as, "To restrict all users." If you're
allergic to "certain," try "To restrict specific users," "To restrict
some users," etc.
"Select x at any time" is not the same as "select x." In some cases,
it's important to note a lack of sequentiality or causality.
Happy Monday,
Dan
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Yves JEAUROND
> Sent: Monday, April 30, 2007 2:10 PM
> To: Peter Sturgeon; Chris Borokowski
> Cc: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: RE : Re: Simply
>
> Absolutely. :-)
>
> More extra words to remove:
> - Select an [existing] item ... // Everything that a user
> can in fact use, exists.
> // Better to be specific and name the item.
> - Select the [desired] item ... // Why would anyone make an
> undesirable choice?
> - [You must] select... // There's no moral imperative when
> operating SW :-)
> - [If you want] to change... // Why make a change conditional?
> - See also x [, for more information about x].
> - To restrict [certain] user[s] from... // Uncertain users?
> :-) How about writing "a" instead?
> - Select x [at any time]. // Well, not while I'm asleep...
>
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