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: Tense in Step-by-Step Procedures From:Scott Miller <smiller -at- PORTAL -dot- COM> Date:Fri, 25 Sep 1998 12:44:27 -0700
>>>>>
> Which is better:
> 1. Click on the Postings button. The Posting dialog box appears.
>
> Or:
> 1. Click on the Postings button. The Posting dialog box will
> appear.
<<<<<
Present tense all the way. Sounds more immediate, emphasizes the
whippy-snappy way that the user is just blazing through their work. "The
Posting dialog box will appear" makes we wonder when? After it wakes up,
splashes its face, and has a cuppa Joe?
I only use future tense in two situations.
1. When something is explained better using the future tense. This
happens very rarely.
2. When I get tired and write sloppy. It's kind of a bad habit, as my
editor once pointed out.
