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Subject:Re: Using "things" in prose From:Nora Merhar <MERHAR -at- ALENA -dot- BITNET> Date:Fri, 16 Jun 1995 12:00:35 CDT
Barbara:
It's my understanding from reading various grammar books that, while a colon
should be used to introduce a list, it shouldn't be used after an incomplete
sentence. After all, you wouldn't set up a sentence to read "You are ready to
move mail messages if you have: created, moved, eaten lunch, etc." The correct
way would be to leave the colon out. So your editor was correct in making the
introductory text a complete sentence.
However, I agree with you that it's best to avoid "things". I would choose to
do one of the following:
You are ready to move mail messages if you have
- Created,
- Moved,
- Eaten lunch, and
- Started your PC.
OR
You are ready to move mail messages when you have done (finished, completed)
the following (tasks):
- Created ...
- Moved ...
OR precede the task with a list requirements (I often use a "Before You Begin"
section).
Hope this helps!
Nora
merhar -at- edsvcs -dot- switch -dot- rockwell -dot- com
