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RE: Use of word "reference" when cross referencing
Subject:RE: Use of word "reference" when cross referencing From:Chris Despopoulos <despopoulos_chriss -at- yahoo -dot- com> To:<techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Wed, 15 Aug 2018 12:41:09 +0000 (UTC)
On Wednesday, August 15, 2018, 1:55:11 AM EDT, <techwr-l-request -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> wrote:
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"Reference" as Verb (RaV) might be technically correct, but common usage is also an indicator, at least in a living language. Common usage today for RaV comes from programming, where you commonly say things like, "this function references that data object". In that context it implies the physical addressing in memory between the referent and the referrer, so it seems appropriate. It is accepted, anyway.
Outside of that context, it seems pedantic to me to use RaV. IMO, nothing is more pathetic than technical writing that uses jargon just to sound important. Also, there's the general rule... never use one syllable when three will do. Wait... I got that backwards! :) The beleaguered user has enough to worry about without having to wade through unnecessary syllables.
I say, consistency be darned, use "see", and see if you don't win out of attrition.
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