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RE: Old thread, hopefully new spin on "allow" v. "enable."
Subject:RE: Old thread, hopefully new spin on "allow" v. "enable." From:"Scudder, Beth" <beth_scudder -at- retek -dot- com> To:TECHWR-L <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 7 Mar 2000 09:21:15 -0600
I use "allow" or "let", mostly because I have negative psychology-dervied
connotations with "enable"... not a very authoritative reason, just a vote.
--Beth
-----Original Message-----
From: Ron Rhodes [mailto:RRhodes -at- fourthchannel -dot- com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2000 8:43 AM
To: TECHWR-L
Subject: Old thread, hopefully new spin on "allow" v. "enable."
Techwhirlers,
I have used the word "allow" throughout my career as a tech-writers. And I
really don't have a problem with it even now. But I am wondering if perhaps
"enable" is better when documenting software applications.
EXAMPLE:
Not
The Cost Wizard <ALLOWS> you to add, edit, and delete customized pricing
structures.
Instead
The Cost Wizard <ENABLES> you to add, edit, and delete customized pricing
structures.
"Allows" just sounds too permissive, restrictive, and constraining.
"Enables" sounds more energizing to me. But my Webster's and my Oxford
rendered similar definitions for both words.
Please forgive the hair splitting. I don't lose any sleep over this one. I
was just wondering if anyone could offer some authoritative advice.
Thank you,
Ron D. Rhodes
Lead Technical Writer
fourthchannel, inc.
rrhodes -at- fourthchannel -dot- com
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