OT: Syntax for if/then statement

[Bill Swallow]

I think you need to screen for editors better. I'm not a grammarian by
any stretch of the imagination, but I certainly know you don't use a
coordinating conjunction to string together dependent clauses in that
manner.

If you want icecream, and then you buy some.

Makes absolutely no sense. Time to break out the wet noodle and start swinging.

On 6/29/06, Tammy.VanBoening at jeppesen.com <Tammy.VanBoening at jeppesen.com> wrote:
> 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. . . .

-- 
Bill Swallow
HATT List Owner
WWP-Users List Owner
Senior Member STC, TechValley Chapter
http://techcommdood.blogspot.com