Re: [boost] Gender neutral documentation

From: Martin Bonner (martin.bonner_at_[hidden])
Date: 2005-11-04 08:01:55

Angus Leeming wrote:
> 
> Returning to the original example:
>     This means for example that the client can completely
>     discard Bind if she does not need it.
> I'd suggest rewriting it as:
>     This means that the user can discard Bind completely
>     if it is not needed.
> 
> That would get rid of a split infinitive too, but that's a whole other
> ball game :)

a) I don't see a split infinitive in the original.
b) Your rewrite has transformed a clause in the active voice ("she does not
need it") to the passive voice ("it is not needed").  The problem with
documentation in the passive voice is that it doesn't make clear /who/
doesn't need Bind.

My rewrite would be:
   This means, for example, that the client can completely
   discard Bind if they don't need it.

-- 
Martin Bonner
Martin.Bonner_at_[hidden]
Pi Technology, Milton Hall, Ely Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB4 6WZ,
ENGLAND Tel: [phone]