Syntax for if/then statement

[Jim Light]

Tammy,

It seems to me that "and" changes the meaning entirely!

When you say "If A, then B." It means that if A occurs or exists, B will
follow or exist.

If you say "If A, and then B." The sentence is rendered incomplete. It
makes B part of the original IF clause (I wouldn't use a comma when
"anding" two items) and leaves you hanging, waiting for the other shoe
to drop. "If A and then B, then C will soon follow.

For example: "If the new editor prevails, and then the boss buys into
it, then you have no choice but to type up your resume." 

Jim 

-----Original Message-----
From: framers-bounces+jlight=pillardata.com at lists.frameusers.com
[mailto:framers-bounces+jlight=pillardata.com at lists.frameusers.com] On
Behalf Of Tammy.VanBoening at jeppesen.com
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 10:22 AM
To: framers at 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
tammy.vanboening at jeppesen.com
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