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.
Subject:Re: Contractions in User Guides From:Loryn Jenkins <loryn -at- OZEMAIL -dot- COM -dot- AU> Date:Thu, 14 Dec 1995 15:41:12 +1000
Many use contractions to make the manual seem more 'personal'. Rather than
using formal grammatical expressions, many techniques are used to make the
book seem easier to read, and more personal.
* active voice
* use of "you"
* contractions, etc.
> I noticed that quite a few manuals contain contractions these days, and
> wondered how widespread their use is. I don't mind them, but I was taught
> to write out the words instead. Do you use contractions? If so, why? If
> not, why not? (Has any research been done on this topic?)
