Computer instruction in the present tense

Subject: Computer instruction in the present tense
From: Peggy Thomson <Peggy_Thompson -at- CCMAIL -dot- OSTI -dot- GOV>
Date: Thu, 20 Jul 1995 14:29:00 -0400

When you are writing computer instruction, do you write in the
present tense; for example:


When you press Restart, the system runs a self-test. If the
system fails self-test, the processor does not reboot the
operating system.

vs future tense:

When you press Restart, the system will run a self-test. If
the system fails self-test, the processor will not reboot
the operating system.


I have read that such instruction should be written in the
PRESENT tense. What do you out there in the trenches do, and
why?


Previous by Author: Opinions on WordPerfect 6.1
Next by Author: Present tense: the ayes have it
Previous by Thread: Re: Acrobat and Word Users: please help!
Next by Thread: Re: Computer instruction in the present tense


What this post helpful? Share it with friends and colleagues:


Sponsored Ads