RE: Don't say what you CANNOT do in documents

["Downing, David" <DavidDowning -at- Users -dot- com>]

Kind of like "data" and "datum."

-----Original Message-----
From: John Posada [mailto:JPosada -at- isogon -dot- com] 
Sent: Tuesday, April 20, 2004 12:09 PM
Subject: RE: Don't say what you CANNOT do in documents


Hi, Donna.

Regarding this criterion/criteria issue. I'm going to get lots of flack
on this, but even though I know the difference, I'll probably stay with
criteria because criterion, in today's environment, "sounds" wrong. I
think the majority of typical readers (those on this list are not
typical) don't know the difference and using criterion is distracting.

http://dictionary.reference.com/search?r=2&q=criteria
"Usage Note: Like the analogous etymological plurals agenda and data,
criteria is widely used as a singular form. Unlike them, however, it is
not yet acceptable in that use."

I believe it is gaining acceptance. I've put on my Nomex, so flame away
:-)

John Posada
Senior Technical Writer
Isogon Corporation
http://www.isogon.com
  "Realizing Your Business Goals 
   Through Software Asset Management"

-----Original Message-----
Subject: RE: Don't say what you CANNOT do in documents

John,

I would suggest rephrasing the first sentence, which sounds like it's
pointing out a shortcoming. How about this?

"Note: Standard searches are based on one criterion. To create a query
using multiple criteria, you must first create an activity (see page
23)."

Note the use of criterion/criteria. One is singular and the other
plural.
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