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List:       koffice
Subject:    Re: How should "This function returns...otherwise.." texts in KSpread be worded?
From:       Mike McBride <mpmcbride7 () email ! com>
Date:       2001-05-25 3:02:27
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On Thursday May 24 2001 07:28, Jonathan Singer wrote:
> I've been assigned to the team proofreading message strings for spelling
> and grammar. One issue I came across is in KSpread in
> extensions/builtin.xml in lines like this:
>
> The find() function searches a substring. This function returns True if
> this substring exists otherwise it returns False.
>
> To me, the "otherwise" looks incorrect. Also, many of the lines have a
> comma or some other variation. I'd like to declare an official format and
> change all the descriptions to match it.
>
> Do people like the version above? Or:
>
> The find() function searches a substring. This function returns True if
> this substring exists; otherwise it returns False.
>
> The find() function searches a substring. This function returns True if
> this substring exists. Otherwise it returns False.
>
> ...or something else?

How about.  

"The find() function searches a substring.  This function returns True if the 
substring exists.  This function returns False if the substring does not 
exist."

It's much longer than the others, but there is no question about its meaning.

> Excel, by the way, would phrase it as "The find() function searches a
> substring. This function returns True if this substring exists and False if
> it does not exist."

Also very clear, but longer.

To be honest, the "otherwise" does not bother me too much, but it is rather 
informal.  I would recomend against using either of the options that use the 
semicolon.....Just too complicated.

Mike McBride

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