OT: Syntax for if/then statement

[Tammy.VanBoening at jeppesen.com]

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
tammy.vanboening at jeppesen.com