Hmmm. Doesn't make much sense to me. In a *sentence* "if <a>, then <b>", the word "then" isn't required. It's really an emphasis attached to <b>.
For example, you could say "If you are using Windows, follow these instructions:" and omit the "then". The word that really joins the two phrases is "if", which is a conjunction; "if" appears first because you've reserved the phrase order. That is, by the way, the real reason you need the comma. To say "If you are using Windows, and then follow these instructions" is grammatically incorrect. You have have *both* a *subordinate* conjunction (if) and a *coordinate* conjunction (and) connecting the same two phrases! Joe Malin Technical Writer (408)625-1623 [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.tuvox.com The views expressed in this document are those of the sender, and do not necessarily reflect those of TuVox, Inc. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 10:22 AM To: framers@frameusers.com Subject: OT: Syntax for if/then statement All, I am hoping the fellow writers on this list can provide some information for this request. Another writer here at Jeppesen and I have always used the following syntax for a conditional/causal statement: If <blah, blah>, then <blah, blah>. We have a new editor that just joined who is in the process of defining our styles and standards. Obviously, everyone has an opinion about what is "right" and what is "wrong" in editing . . .in many cases, it's so subjective. That said, when we have our editorial meetings about defining our styles and standards, you need to be prepared with some factual support for a certain type of style or standard - not just the emotional "because we've always done it this way." Years ago, I had such a reference for writing if/then statements this way - I don't remember which manual I referenced. Our new editor wants to add the word "and" to such statements - if <blah, blah>, AND then <blah, blah>. Both I and the other writer disagree with the editor on this one - it should be just if/then - no "and." I have tried for the life of me to find a documentation reference that would support this syntax (something like Sun's Read Me First guide, etc), and although I know I had one in the past, I can't find it now. Googling only leads me to programming references - the thin thread here would be since we are writing software documentation, if/then, would make sense, since that's where the if/then statement syntax was developed, but. . . . Any and all references/advice would be much appreciated. TIA, TVB Tammy Van Boening Senior Technical Writer Jeppesen Sanderson, Inc. 303-328-4420 [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/jmalin%40tuvox.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info. _______________________________________________ You are currently subscribed to Framers as [EMAIL PROTECTED] Send list messages to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] or visit http://lists.frameusers.com/mailman/options/framers/archive%40mail-archive.com Send administrative questions to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit http://www.frameusers.com/ for more resources and info.