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I had not thought about this, to be honest, but it seems that I do minimize the use of gerunds in my manuals and tech docs.
Because I find them to be a bit passive ... active directives in manuals and docs are better. This achieves clarity of direct action - particularly for non-native English readers.
With other general writing (like this email, etc.), I am far less careful.
I am not a professional tech writer, of course! Just what I have done apparently.
Z
________________________________
From: techwr-l-bounces+syed -dot- hosain=aeris -dot- net -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com <techwr-l-bounces+syed -dot- hosain=aeris -dot- net -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> on behalf of Carolyn Palo <carolynpalo -at- gmail -dot- com>
Sent: Monday, May 29, 2023 6:56 PM
To: Tech Writers <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com>
Subject: The Gerund
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Hello,
My training and experience as a tech writer has always been "against the
gerund." Where I am working now, the gerund is everywhere and I brought up
the topic. It will be a topic for the next website release where doc and
training info are available. I was surprised there were so many and no one
on my team thought about it.
Besides the issues of translation costs, wondering what the general feel is
about using them in online documentation for a global audience?
Thank you,
Carolyn
*Carolyn Palo*
*Professional Writer *
Phone: 617-491-0551
Email: carolynpalo -at- gmail -dot- com
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