TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
"When you click the X button the X dialog is displayed" (this is what I
normally write)
"When you click the X button the X dialog will be displayed" (this is what
my boss wants me to write)
What tense would you use?
Salette Latas responds:
I would write:
"Click the X button. The X dialog box displays."
It's simple, present tense, action and reaction. I'm aware of the
translation issues with "displays," but I still prefer it to the passive "is
displayed" or the mysterious "appears."
Salette Latas
Technical Writer
salatas -at- micron -dot- com
