Allow vs. Enable
'Allow' is another way of saying permit. 'Enable' is defined as providing with the means or opportunity.
For example:
- A plug-in has been developed that enables management of health and safety issues.
- Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.
Because vs. As
Use 'because' when indicating the reason for something. For example:
This option is not available because the modems are not physically connected.
Avoid 'In Order To'
It is not needed, for example:
Increased the screen timeout in order to accommodate some hardware.
Can be changed to:
Increased the timeout to accommodate some hardware.
Once vs. After
Once is used when something happens automatically, immediately after something happens.
After is something that is done manually.
For example:
Once the computer has rebooted, the New Parameters menu option is available.
After configuring the New Service settings, click the Add button.
Please
Avoid using the word 'please' in technical documentation. It is not needed. However, it can be occasionally used on UI text when to leave it out may be sometimes abrupt.
That vs. Which
Use 'that' before a restrictive clause and 'which' before everything else. For example:
The iPad, which connects to the iCloud, was created by Apple.
Log in to the unit that you want to become the master unit.
If the information is essential, use 'that'. If it’s just additional information that’s useful but unnecessary, use 'which'. Commas are used when using 'which'.
Want vs. Wish
Use want rather than wish. Wish implies something that may not be likely to occur, or something that is not likely to be within one’s control. For example:
If you have a corporate license, a screen appears asking if you want to set up Single Mode or Dual Mode.