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.
On Behalf Of Nancy Allison was heard to ask:
> which version would you use? And, please tell me if
> you would add or remove any punctuation:
>
> ---The bank should have clear standards for the collection and
> modification of all elements, and should combine these elements in a
> manner that most effectively enables it to quantify its exposure to
> operational risk.
>
> ---The bank should have clear standards for the collection and
> modification of all elements, and combine these elements in a manner
that
> most effectively enables it to quantify its exposure to operational
risk.
>
> I always want to repeat the modal auxiliary; it seems too hard to wade
> through the first long noun phrase and instantly remember that
auxiliary
> when you hit the second base verb form. However, I have been informed
that
> this type of repetition is "bad English."
>
> Whaddya say?
I say that my vote goes to your "bad English" version. I would repeat
the "should", for exactly the reason that you cite.
But then, I also retain "that" in a lot of places that others would drop
it, ostensibly for the benefit of ESL readers and for the benefit of
translators (but really because I just prefer it).
I like parallelism. Parallelism rocks. It helps some and it hurts none.
Kevin
The information contained in this electronic mail transmission
may be privileged and confidential, and therefore, protected
from disclosure. If you have received this communication in
error, please notify us immediately by replying to this
message and deleting it from your computer without copying
or disclosing it.
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
---
You are currently subscribed to TECHWR-L as archive -at- web -dot- techwr-l -dot- com -dot-