"shorthand" vs. plain writing style

Yves Barbion yves.barbion at gmail.com
Fri Sep 1 03:12:33 MDT 2006


Hello techwhirlers,

I'm doing some research on car repair manuals. A typical writing style here
seems to be some sort of "shorthand" English, in which articles and pronouns
are omitted. For example:

- "Remove fuel tank cover."
- "Drain fuel tank and clean fuel filler neck and surrounding area."
- "Unscrew securing bolt and remove tank flap unit with rubber cup."
- "Remove securing bolts on filler neck."
- "Ensure fuel hoses are tight."

Any thoughts/opinions about this writing style? Pros and cons? Where does
this writing style come from? Effect on the readability and translatability
of the text?

Thanks in advance.

Best regards


-- 
Yves Barbion
Technical Writer



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