RE: Usage question - "... un-initialized state" or "... an uninitialized state"

Subject: RE: Usage question - "... un-initialized state" or "... an uninitialized state"
From: Lynne Wright <Lynne -dot- Wright -at- tiburoninc -dot- com>
To: "McLauchlan, Kevin" <Kevin -dot- McLauchlan -at- safenet-inc -dot- com>, "techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:47:28 +0000

I can appreciate why the reviewer would feel that it sounds wrong without the "an"; I agree with them.

I don't think it implies that there are multiple un-initialized states... I think you're overthinking that one.

As a compromise, you could use "... deliver the product in its un-initialized state."

p.s. I've also gotta say that the usage of "wish" is a pet peeve with me. It sounds too old-fashioned and emotive. Microsoft Manual of Tech Writing also specifies using "want" instead. Anybody else with me on this?



-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+lynne -dot- wright=tiburoninc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+lynne -dot- wright=tiburoninc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of McLauchlan, Kevin
Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 11:32 AM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Usage question - "... un-initialized state" or "... an uninitialized state"

The statement in the docs is: "You might wish to deliver the product in un-initialized state."

One reviewer wants that to say: "You might wish to deliver the product in AN un-initialized state."

My objection to that version is that it suggests/implies that there is more than one un-initialized state.

With respect to initialization, there are two states - initialized and un-initialized. There are no sub-categories under un-initialized, and no grey areas. It is or it ain't.

What say you language mavens?



-k





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Usage question - "... un-initialized state" or "... an uninitialized state": From: McLauchlan, Kevin

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