Syntax for if/then statement

[Bill Swallow]

> 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."

Right, but the recommended construct is "if A, do B" not "if A, and do B"...

> Somewhat ironically, the only people who care passionately enough about
> such matters to discuss, debate, and defend them vehemently and
> endlessly are the documentation folks, typically. Our readers could
> probably not care less.

Actually, in the case of a "if/and then" construction, I'll bet the
readers would care and be just a tad bit confused.

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