RE: Display or appear (Was: Can "either" be used if there are thr ee or moreselections?)

["Audeh, Ida" <iaudeh -at- rational -dot- com>]

Laura_Hammett -at- scruggs -dot- com wrote:

> My team solves this dilemma in the following way:
>
> Use "displays". "Appears" implies a mystical, fairy-like presentation of
> material.
>
> Example:
>
> After you click New, the Product dialog displays.

I would say (and so would MS Manual of Style) "is displayed." "Appears" may
seem spooky to you, but I think having the dialog box take action is kind of
creepy, too. This is a good example of an appropriate use of the passive
tone.

Also, the example above raises the question: displays what?
Ida
(a list lurker)
PS: I'm fairly new to this list and want to say, thanks a lot; it is very
informative!

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