Re: Usage question - "... un-initialized state" or "... an uninitialized state"

[Wanda Phillips <wetcoastwriter -at- me -dot- com>]

I've always avoided "wish" and even more strongly "might wish" in cases where the product developers are saying "we suggest."

Have you told the reader, just prior to this, that there are two states, which you, or or developers, have chosen to call "initialized" and "un-initialized" to choose from? If so, you can stick with "We suggest (or 'company name' suggests) you deliver the product in the un-initialized state."

Wanda
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...in order to understand the true nature of reality, we must realize that nothing ever really happens.
Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso, Rinpoche, Sun of Wisdom (Shambhala Publications), 3-4.
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On 2012-10-10, at 11:47 AM, Lynne Wright <Lynne -dot- Wright -at- tiburoninc -dot- com> wrote:

> I can appreciate why the reviewer would feel that it sounds wrong without the "an"; I agree with them.
> 
> I don't think it implies that there are multiple un-initialized states... I think you're overthinking that one. 
> 
> As a compromise, you could use "... deliver the product in its un-initialized state." 
> 
> p.s. I've also gotta say that the usage of "wish" is a pet peeve with me. It sounds too old-fashioned and emotive. Microsoft Manual of Tech Writing also specifies using "want" instead. Anybody else with me on this?
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: techwr-l-bounces+lynne -dot- wright=tiburoninc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com [mailto:techwr-l-bounces+lynne -dot- wright=tiburoninc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On Behalf Of McLauchlan, Kevin
> Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 11:32 AM
> To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
> Subject: Usage question - "... un-initialized state" or "... an uninitialized state"
> 
> The statement in the docs is: "You might wish to deliver the product in un-initialized state."
> 
> One reviewer wants that to say: "You might wish to deliver the product in AN un-initialized state."
> 
> My objection to that version is that it suggests/implies that there is more than one un-initialized state.
> 
> With respect to initialization, there are two states - initialized and un-initialized. There are no sub-categories under un-initialized, and no grey areas. It is or it ain't.
> 
> What say you language mavens?
> 
> 
> 
> -k
> 
> 
> 
> 
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