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I would use formal language for SOPs included in a company's quality
system. Such documents strive for absolute clarity of communication and
may be audited by sticklers somewhere down the line.
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+cvickery=arenasolutions -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+cvickery=arenasolutions -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com]
On Behalf Of Zen C
Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 2:00 PM
To: techwr-l List
Subject: Re: there is vs. there's
Do you recommend following a formal style when writing a SOP for a
company
or informal (meaning using the spoken style of English)?
The reason I am asking is, I am checking a SOP that is written using the
"speaking style" of English and not sure if I should provide my feedback
saying "use writing style." There is not set standards the company
follows,
this is the first SOP the company has documented.
On Wed, Apr 16, 2008 at 4:45 PM, Fred Ridder <docudoc -at- hotmail -dot- com>
wrote:
> As always, it depends on what style guide you follow. Many (maybe
> most) style guides say to avoid contractions in formal writing.
Period.
>
> The only possible benefits of contracting this phrase are to make your
> style less formal (which is perhaps not good), and to save exactly one
> character. On the downside, it possibly compromises readability a
little
> bit (particularly for ESL readers, who often have problems with
English
> contractions), and almost certainly causes issues in translation to
some
> languages. So what's the point in doing it?
>
> -FR
>
> > Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:33:40 -0400
> > From: zenizenc -at- gmail -dot- com
> > To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> > Subject: there is vs. there's
> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > Is there a rule about using "there is/there's" in Technical Writing?
or
> is
> > it a standard followed based on preference.
> >
> > Zen
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats
or
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Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
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Create HTML or Microsoft Word content and convert to Help file formats or
printed documentation. Features include support for Windows Vista & 2007
Microsoft Office, team authoring, plus more. http://www.DocToHelp.com/TechwrlList
True single source, conditional content, PDF export, modular help.
Help & Manual is the most powerful authoring tool for technical
documentation. Boost your productivity! http://www.helpandmanual.com
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