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I agree with MS on this one. I think that "and then" helps prevent
errors.
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Nina Rogers
> Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2010 12:20 PM
> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: And then ...
>
> I'm sure this has probably been addressed here before; if it
> has, someone please point me to a link to the thread.
>
> My question has to do with the little word "then" in
> sentences where it isn't used as part of an "if ... then" sequence.
>
> For years, I used a comma before it: "Enter the data, then click OK."
>
> Then I was told that "then" must be preceded by a
> conjunction: "Enter the data, and then click OK."
>
> I also see a comma-less version pretty regularly: "Enter the
> data then click OK."
>
> And there's the semicolon version: "Enter the data; then click OK."
>
> The first two examples are fine with me, even though I can
> see how the first one can be considered a comma splice. The
> third looks like a run-on since "then" is connecting two
> independent clauses. The semicolon in the fourth example
> seems to stick out like a sore thumb, perhaps because, while
> I use lots of semicolons when writing fiction or creative
> nonfiction, I don't use them much in tech writing.
>
> I've found/heard arguments/justification for all of the forms above.
> Which form is correct ... or are more than one acceptable? If
> so, which is "most" acceptable?
>
> (Obviously, an easy way to solve this would be:
>
> 1. Enter the data.
> 2. Click OK.
>
> But I'm curious as to how others use punctuation here.)
>
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