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.
Subject:Re: Gerunds in titles and headings From:Peter Taylor <sector_five -at- HOTMAIL -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 12 Jan 1999 09:33:35 PST
[snip]
>At my previous company we routinely used gerunds in headings, and I'm
>not sure if I'm balking simply because this is new and different. I'm
>hoping that since they're not too far along in the process that there
>may be some room for negotiation. Is there a good reason to use or
avoid
>the gerund? Any thoughts?
Personally, if it makes more sense to use a gerund, I would use one. If
you can't use a gerund in the title, such as "Adding a Note" and are
required to use the "Add A Note" topic title instead, you then have to
write a sentence in the body of the topic explaining that the reader
isn't *really* required to add a note and the topic is only explaining
how to add a note if needed. If the use of non-style guide wording in
the title makes the entire topic clearer (and requires the writer to do
less work) I would use it.
Peter Taylor.
______________________________________________________
Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com
