Re: Multiple options for action?

Subject: Re: Multiple options for action?
From: "Virginia L. Krenn" <asdxvlk -at- OKWAY -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU>
Date: Wed, 18 Oct 1995 10:51:56 -0500

You should use only one 'or' in a list separated by commas. However,
if you take out the commas, you can probably use both 'or's.

______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Multiple options for action?
Author: Brian Boisvert <brianb -at- iconics -dot- com> at SMTP
Date: 10/16/95 4:44 PM

I am writing a manual where there are three different ways to perform
an action. For example:

To Create a New File
--------------------

Select New from the File menu, or click the New icon in the toolbar,
or press Ctrl+N.

An editor has crossed out the "or" before the second option. I want
to keep it.

I realize that there are rules dictating that one should only use "or"
for the final item in a comma-separated list, but I *really* want to
highlight that these are separate actions, not additional steps of the
same action.

My question: Does anyone agree with me (that "or" is acceptable to
break up each option)? Can anyone provide me with a documented source
that deals with this issue?

[Please don't suggest that I recast the sentence or use a different
style to describe actions -- this is the company style and I can't
change it. My only question is about the "or."]

Thanks,
Brian


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