Syntax for if/then statement

[Robert Shelton]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: framers-bounces+rshelton=opentext.com at lists.frameusers.com
> [mailto:framers-bounces+rshelton=opentext.com at lists.frameusers.com]On
> Behalf Of Beck, Charles
> 
> Hi Tammy, 
> 
> Bad news: At least one major style guide and my own experience are on
> your new editor's side on this one. In fact, the _Microsoft Manual of
> Style for Technical Publications, Third Edition_ takes it even further:
> That style guide states that you should avoid the "if...then"
> construction altogether and not use the word "then" at all in such
> situations. That is, you should simply say something like "If
> such-and-such is true, do this." 

MMoS may not like "if..., then," but that doesn't mean it agrees with the editor. There's a big difference between saying the "then" is unnecessary and saying you need to add an "and."
 
> This has also been the policy/practice with my past and present
> employers and clients. I formerly also used "if...then" constructions
> almost exclusively, so it was a challenge for me to adhere to this
> standard when I first encountered it. But after thinking it through, I
> eventually agreed that it is cleaner and more succinct. 

For what it's worth, I rarely use "then" in this situation, but using "then" is much better than using "and then." As others have said, in this construction, that's just grammatically wrong.

Bob
"Love people. Use things. Not vice-versa." -- Kelly Rothaus