Re: Use of the word "the" in figure captions

[Reuven Frank <reuven -at- E-AND-C -dot- COM>]

I also feel that the definite article should stay.
I always use it. I feel that it is proper, more formal, and more polite.
Otherwise the user feels that you are throwing something at him, 
or figuratively "beating him over the head" with the diagram.
Besides, you sound like Rocky if you don't use it.
(Yo, you! "Alert" dialog box.)

In short, figures should be captioned with the use of the definite article, because it implies that you are telling the reader specifically what he or she is looking at. (Pardon my ending a sentence with a preposition, please.)

Unless your boss/supervisor is paying you by the character, he has no argument.
If he is, volunteer to waive receipt of payment for four characters for every figure in the document.
Tell him it is a matter of professional pride-of-workmanship.

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From:   Katherin King
Sent:   Mon, 13 Jul.98 16:06 PM
To:     TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject:        Use of the word "the" in figure captions

There's a difference of opinion between myself and my supervisor over
the use of the word "The" in figure captions, as in "The such-and-such
dialog box." He wants the word "the" removed, I think it should stay. I
looked it up in the MS Manual of Style and found support for my opinion.
I would appreciate other opinions on this.


Kathy Stanzler
Technical Writer
Brooktrout Technology Inc.
Southborough, MA
(508) 786-9182
kking -at- brooktrout -dot- com

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