Re: What does a window do???

[Adam Korman <akorman -at- EPICOR -dot- COM>]

My vote is that either the window displays something (like information) or,
it is displayed by something else.

"The ABC window displays information about XYZ."
"When you select XYZ, the ABC window is displayed." Or, if you really must
use an active voice, "When you select XYZ, the system displays the ABC
window."

Corroboration from the MS Manual of Style for Tech Pubs (2nd Ed), Verbs
entry (see the entry for a more complete discussion and additional
examples):

"Do not use the following transitive verbs in active constructions without
objects: complete, configure, display, install, print and process.

CORRECT
The screen displays information.
A dialog box appears on the screen.

INCORRECT
A dialog box displays."

-----Original Message-----
From: Nancy Smith [mailto:smithcds -at- ICI -dot- NET]
Sent: Wednesday, July 14, 1999 2:48 PM
To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
Subject: What does a window do???

[SNIPPED ALL OVER]

I am one who cringes when I read "The ABC Window displays."

So, folks -- what's the latest, greatest, most appropriate expression to use
in a procedure to indicate that the software is responding to the user
action and "Behold -- The window --- !" (does what???)

And, can you point me to an authoritative source for whatever your answer
is?


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