TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Re: I need help with Functionality versus Function
Subject:Re: I need help with Functionality versus Function From:Reuven Frank <reuven -at- E-AND-C -dot- COM> Date:Wed, 15 Jul 1998 17:23:17 +0200
The use of this word is contextual. Meaning that it varies according to where it appears.
See below, please.
----------
From: Nurre, Vickie
Sent: Wed, 15 Jul.98 16:06 PM
To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject: I need help with Functionality versus Function
Help! The project manager I work with wants to use Functionality as a
noun - "The functionality to be delivered..."
I wouldn't use it in this sense to describe features, however I would use it to describe a facet of functionality. Such as, speed, compatability, and so on.
I think it should be
"The functions to be delivered..."
As I implied above, I would use this to describe features. Such as, the functions include a math processor, a new database, etc.
In sum, I use functionality to refer to the WAY a system or product works and functions when I am discussing the presence of the features themselves.
My thought is functionality is an adverb, not a noun.
But I can't think of an example using functionality as an adverb.
Is this now considered a noun? Or what is it exactly, and what
is its correct use? Thanks in advance for your information. Vickie,
vnurre -at- aegonusa -dot- com