Plain language with long required phrasesIs it good style to use latin phrases in english scientific literature?What counts as a word when dealing with a word limit?Are there books to improve the style?Condensing words, to condense or not?How can I stress a certain word in a medium that doesn't allow for font embellishments?Can basic grammar rules be skipped when writing text for machine safety labels?How to structure the text when describing the steps of a procedure which has simultaneous processes?Structuring a sentence with two phrases qualifying the same endingHow can I make my roleplay sentences more interesting, and less lengthy?Is it okay to use “fell” in one sentence, and “fall” in the next sentence?
Did converts (ger tzedek) in ancient Israel own land?
Does a druid starting with a bow start with no arrows?
What does it mean to describe someone as a butt steak?
Why is consensus so controversial in Britain?
90's TV series where a boy goes to another dimension through portal near power lines
Can one be a co-translator of a book, if he does not know the language that the book is translated into?
A reference to a well-known characterization of scattered compact spaces
Is it possible to download Internet Explorer on my Mac running OS X El Capitan?
Reserved de-dupe rules
In Romance of the Three Kingdoms why do people still use bamboo sticks when papers are already invented?
RG-213 Cable with electric strained wire as metallic shield of Coaxial cable
Why does Kotter return in Welcome Back Kotter
How do conventional missiles fly?
Blender 2.8 I can't see vertices, edges or faces in edit mode
Brothers & sisters
Were any external disk drives stacked vertically?
Can a virus destroy the BIOS of a modern computer?
Watching something be written to a file live with tail
How could indestructible materials be used in power generation?
Infinite Abelian subgroup of infinite non Abelian group example
Do I have a twin with permutated remainders?
Why is Collection not simply treated as Collection<?>
Neighboring nodes in the network
How to take photos in burst mode, without vibration?
Plain language with long required phrases
Is it good style to use latin phrases in english scientific literature?What counts as a word when dealing with a word limit?Are there books to improve the style?Condensing words, to condense or not?How can I stress a certain word in a medium that doesn't allow for font embellishments?Can basic grammar rules be skipped when writing text for machine safety labels?How to structure the text when describing the steps of a procedure which has simultaneous processes?Structuring a sentence with two phrases qualifying the same endingHow can I make my roleplay sentences more interesting, and less lengthy?Is it okay to use “fell” in one sentence, and “fall” in the next sentence?
I am trying to create documentation for an application, and it's for end users who use keyboard (not mouse) and a screen reader.
Some of our conventions require us to always use the full phrase as listed on screen: if we're talking about the category combo box, but the label says "Please pick a Category:" [sic], that's what we have to use.
Another convention is for keyboard shortcuts -- they are always several "words" long, as we use white space (or I go non-breaking-space) between each element of it. So we have CTRL + INSERT + T for tables list.
So as you may have noticed, I have a tendency towards long sentences with many clauses. I'm using Hemingway to check each section for Plain Language, and I'm trying to revise the hard/very hard sentences.
The problem is, my sentences are often very long and it's not my fault!
If I replace a multi-word phrase whether keyboard shortcut or on-screen label with "xx," that usually brings the sentence's word count down that the sentences "pass."
Is this "cheating?" Are these "terms of art" and it's ok to say "Ctrl + INSert + number pad 6" is understood as a "word?"
Should only the keyboard shortcuts count as 1-word, as the users may know them from other uses of the screenreader, (so replacing them mentally with "X" for a plainLang check is ok), but "envelope Send Email checkbox" still has to count as 4 words, as they would be new to the user? Or only the first-usage within a section?
Note: My workplace doesn't allow the use of 2nd person, despite PlainLang encouraging personal pronouns -- I'm already "wasting" words by having to always say "the user" instead of "you."
I'd like to know if other technical writers have a consensus on how to handle these conflicts.
style technical-writing non-fiction
|
show 4 more comments
I am trying to create documentation for an application, and it's for end users who use keyboard (not mouse) and a screen reader.
Some of our conventions require us to always use the full phrase as listed on screen: if we're talking about the category combo box, but the label says "Please pick a Category:" [sic], that's what we have to use.
Another convention is for keyboard shortcuts -- they are always several "words" long, as we use white space (or I go non-breaking-space) between each element of it. So we have CTRL + INSERT + T for tables list.
So as you may have noticed, I have a tendency towards long sentences with many clauses. I'm using Hemingway to check each section for Plain Language, and I'm trying to revise the hard/very hard sentences.
The problem is, my sentences are often very long and it's not my fault!
If I replace a multi-word phrase whether keyboard shortcut or on-screen label with "xx," that usually brings the sentence's word count down that the sentences "pass."
Is this "cheating?" Are these "terms of art" and it's ok to say "Ctrl + INSert + number pad 6" is understood as a "word?"
Should only the keyboard shortcuts count as 1-word, as the users may know them from other uses of the screenreader, (so replacing them mentally with "X" for a plainLang check is ok), but "envelope Send Email checkbox" still has to count as 4 words, as they would be new to the user? Or only the first-usage within a section?
Note: My workplace doesn't allow the use of 2nd person, despite PlainLang encouraging personal pronouns -- I'm already "wasting" words by having to always say "the user" instead of "you."
I'd like to know if other technical writers have a consensus on how to handle these conflicts.
style technical-writing non-fiction
Lot's of questions here… Is it possible to use inferred 2nd person, where "you/the user" is just skipped?
– wetcircuit
10 hours ago
Yes, I do use a lot of that. "Press insert+f5, navigate with down arrows to the most accurate option, then press enter to activate it."
– April
9 hours ago
yeesh, that is a long sentence… And this is necessary every time?
– wetcircuit
9 hours ago
You might try tricking the software by replacing the spaces in those phrases with some special character you don't normally use; like '^', which you can do a global replace on later with a space (or non-breaking space). So "CTRL^+^INSERT^+^T", and maybe Hemingway will count it as a single word.
– Amadeus
8 hours ago
1
I wonder if there are conventions specific to screen-readers that should factor into this. This question would benefit from input from somebody who regularly uses a screen-reader.
– Monica Cellio♦
8 hours ago
|
show 4 more comments
I am trying to create documentation for an application, and it's for end users who use keyboard (not mouse) and a screen reader.
Some of our conventions require us to always use the full phrase as listed on screen: if we're talking about the category combo box, but the label says "Please pick a Category:" [sic], that's what we have to use.
Another convention is for keyboard shortcuts -- they are always several "words" long, as we use white space (or I go non-breaking-space) between each element of it. So we have CTRL + INSERT + T for tables list.
So as you may have noticed, I have a tendency towards long sentences with many clauses. I'm using Hemingway to check each section for Plain Language, and I'm trying to revise the hard/very hard sentences.
The problem is, my sentences are often very long and it's not my fault!
If I replace a multi-word phrase whether keyboard shortcut or on-screen label with "xx," that usually brings the sentence's word count down that the sentences "pass."
Is this "cheating?" Are these "terms of art" and it's ok to say "Ctrl + INSert + number pad 6" is understood as a "word?"
Should only the keyboard shortcuts count as 1-word, as the users may know them from other uses of the screenreader, (so replacing them mentally with "X" for a plainLang check is ok), but "envelope Send Email checkbox" still has to count as 4 words, as they would be new to the user? Or only the first-usage within a section?
Note: My workplace doesn't allow the use of 2nd person, despite PlainLang encouraging personal pronouns -- I'm already "wasting" words by having to always say "the user" instead of "you."
I'd like to know if other technical writers have a consensus on how to handle these conflicts.
style technical-writing non-fiction
I am trying to create documentation for an application, and it's for end users who use keyboard (not mouse) and a screen reader.
Some of our conventions require us to always use the full phrase as listed on screen: if we're talking about the category combo box, but the label says "Please pick a Category:" [sic], that's what we have to use.
Another convention is for keyboard shortcuts -- they are always several "words" long, as we use white space (or I go non-breaking-space) between each element of it. So we have CTRL + INSERT + T for tables list.
So as you may have noticed, I have a tendency towards long sentences with many clauses. I'm using Hemingway to check each section for Plain Language, and I'm trying to revise the hard/very hard sentences.
The problem is, my sentences are often very long and it's not my fault!
If I replace a multi-word phrase whether keyboard shortcut or on-screen label with "xx," that usually brings the sentence's word count down that the sentences "pass."
Is this "cheating?" Are these "terms of art" and it's ok to say "Ctrl + INSert + number pad 6" is understood as a "word?"
Should only the keyboard shortcuts count as 1-word, as the users may know them from other uses of the screenreader, (so replacing them mentally with "X" for a plainLang check is ok), but "envelope Send Email checkbox" still has to count as 4 words, as they would be new to the user? Or only the first-usage within a section?
Note: My workplace doesn't allow the use of 2nd person, despite PlainLang encouraging personal pronouns -- I'm already "wasting" words by having to always say "the user" instead of "you."
I'd like to know if other technical writers have a consensus on how to handle these conflicts.
style technical-writing non-fiction
style technical-writing non-fiction
asked 10 hours ago
AprilApril
2,218635
2,218635
Lot's of questions here… Is it possible to use inferred 2nd person, where "you/the user" is just skipped?
– wetcircuit
10 hours ago
Yes, I do use a lot of that. "Press insert+f5, navigate with down arrows to the most accurate option, then press enter to activate it."
– April
9 hours ago
yeesh, that is a long sentence… And this is necessary every time?
– wetcircuit
9 hours ago
You might try tricking the software by replacing the spaces in those phrases with some special character you don't normally use; like '^', which you can do a global replace on later with a space (or non-breaking space). So "CTRL^+^INSERT^+^T", and maybe Hemingway will count it as a single word.
– Amadeus
8 hours ago
1
I wonder if there are conventions specific to screen-readers that should factor into this. This question would benefit from input from somebody who regularly uses a screen-reader.
– Monica Cellio♦
8 hours ago
|
show 4 more comments
Lot's of questions here… Is it possible to use inferred 2nd person, where "you/the user" is just skipped?
– wetcircuit
10 hours ago
Yes, I do use a lot of that. "Press insert+f5, navigate with down arrows to the most accurate option, then press enter to activate it."
– April
9 hours ago
yeesh, that is a long sentence… And this is necessary every time?
– wetcircuit
9 hours ago
You might try tricking the software by replacing the spaces in those phrases with some special character you don't normally use; like '^', which you can do a global replace on later with a space (or non-breaking space). So "CTRL^+^INSERT^+^T", and maybe Hemingway will count it as a single word.
– Amadeus
8 hours ago
1
I wonder if there are conventions specific to screen-readers that should factor into this. This question would benefit from input from somebody who regularly uses a screen-reader.
– Monica Cellio♦
8 hours ago
Lot's of questions here… Is it possible to use inferred 2nd person, where "you/the user" is just skipped?
– wetcircuit
10 hours ago
Lot's of questions here… Is it possible to use inferred 2nd person, where "you/the user" is just skipped?
– wetcircuit
10 hours ago
Yes, I do use a lot of that. "Press insert+f5, navigate with down arrows to the most accurate option, then press enter to activate it."
– April
9 hours ago
Yes, I do use a lot of that. "Press insert+f5, navigate with down arrows to the most accurate option, then press enter to activate it."
– April
9 hours ago
yeesh, that is a long sentence… And this is necessary every time?
– wetcircuit
9 hours ago
yeesh, that is a long sentence… And this is necessary every time?
– wetcircuit
9 hours ago
You might try tricking the software by replacing the spaces in those phrases with some special character you don't normally use; like '^', which you can do a global replace on later with a space (or non-breaking space). So "CTRL^+^INSERT^+^T", and maybe Hemingway will count it as a single word.
– Amadeus
8 hours ago
You might try tricking the software by replacing the spaces in those phrases with some special character you don't normally use; like '^', which you can do a global replace on later with a space (or non-breaking space). So "CTRL^+^INSERT^+^T", and maybe Hemingway will count it as a single word.
– Amadeus
8 hours ago
1
1
I wonder if there are conventions specific to screen-readers that should factor into this. This question would benefit from input from somebody who regularly uses a screen-reader.
– Monica Cellio♦
8 hours ago
I wonder if there are conventions specific to screen-readers that should factor into this. This question would benefit from input from somebody who regularly uses a screen-reader.
– Monica Cellio♦
8 hours ago
|
show 4 more comments
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
It's possible you're tying yourself in knots with Hemingway which is, perhaps, better for prose writers than technical writers.
Hemingway themselves state:
But what if I want to break the rules?
Rules are meant to be broken. If you know what you're doing, don't let
us stop you. View our suggestions as just that.
I used to write instructional manuals for IBM and Sun Microsystems. For new users, I'd try to emulate the formatting of a Dummies book. Word 2007 for Dummies has a Look Inside for you to see how they handle it.
If you aren't constrained by company formatting, try splitting out the processes with a quick explanation, followed by a numbered list of commands, with the clicks and keyboard strokes in bold, and explanations unbolded. Like this:
IMPORTING A PICTURE INTO A MS WORD DOCUMENT
Importing pictures into Word is very easy, just take the following steps:
Left click the INSERT menu option. A pop up menu appears.
From the pop up menu, select PICTURES. A side menu appears.
From the side menu, select PICTURE FROM FILE.
Stripping each method into numbered lists avoids long, complex sentences with commands embedded in the middle. Of short sentences like this, Hemingway should approve.
I've used mouse clicks in this example, which you would just switch out for keyboard commands. I didn't know the keyboard commands for this example!
HTH, but difficult to advise better when I don't know all the rules you have to abide by.
No pictures -- these users are visually impaired. Things are already numbered and as short as I can make them.
– April
5 hours ago
1
Then is it possible you've already done a great job and Hemingway is making you doubt your own skills?
– GGx
5 hours ago
1
It may be. I haven't done a tech document before (though I've taught tech writing), and I've never had so much time to proofread/edit the heck out of something. As an instructor, it was write&go (assignment sheets) , or give a few tips in student feedback. We don't have much collaboration in this office, which is partly what I was hoping for.
– April
5 hours ago
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function()
var channelOptions =
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "166"
;
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function()
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled)
StackExchange.using("snippets", function()
createEditor();
);
else
createEditor();
);
function createEditor()
StackExchange.prepareEditor(
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader:
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
,
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
);
);
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fwriting.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f44362%2fplain-language-with-long-required-phrases%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
It's possible you're tying yourself in knots with Hemingway which is, perhaps, better for prose writers than technical writers.
Hemingway themselves state:
But what if I want to break the rules?
Rules are meant to be broken. If you know what you're doing, don't let
us stop you. View our suggestions as just that.
I used to write instructional manuals for IBM and Sun Microsystems. For new users, I'd try to emulate the formatting of a Dummies book. Word 2007 for Dummies has a Look Inside for you to see how they handle it.
If you aren't constrained by company formatting, try splitting out the processes with a quick explanation, followed by a numbered list of commands, with the clicks and keyboard strokes in bold, and explanations unbolded. Like this:
IMPORTING A PICTURE INTO A MS WORD DOCUMENT
Importing pictures into Word is very easy, just take the following steps:
Left click the INSERT menu option. A pop up menu appears.
From the pop up menu, select PICTURES. A side menu appears.
From the side menu, select PICTURE FROM FILE.
Stripping each method into numbered lists avoids long, complex sentences with commands embedded in the middle. Of short sentences like this, Hemingway should approve.
I've used mouse clicks in this example, which you would just switch out for keyboard commands. I didn't know the keyboard commands for this example!
HTH, but difficult to advise better when I don't know all the rules you have to abide by.
No pictures -- these users are visually impaired. Things are already numbered and as short as I can make them.
– April
5 hours ago
1
Then is it possible you've already done a great job and Hemingway is making you doubt your own skills?
– GGx
5 hours ago
1
It may be. I haven't done a tech document before (though I've taught tech writing), and I've never had so much time to proofread/edit the heck out of something. As an instructor, it was write&go (assignment sheets) , or give a few tips in student feedback. We don't have much collaboration in this office, which is partly what I was hoping for.
– April
5 hours ago
add a comment |
It's possible you're tying yourself in knots with Hemingway which is, perhaps, better for prose writers than technical writers.
Hemingway themselves state:
But what if I want to break the rules?
Rules are meant to be broken. If you know what you're doing, don't let
us stop you. View our suggestions as just that.
I used to write instructional manuals for IBM and Sun Microsystems. For new users, I'd try to emulate the formatting of a Dummies book. Word 2007 for Dummies has a Look Inside for you to see how they handle it.
If you aren't constrained by company formatting, try splitting out the processes with a quick explanation, followed by a numbered list of commands, with the clicks and keyboard strokes in bold, and explanations unbolded. Like this:
IMPORTING A PICTURE INTO A MS WORD DOCUMENT
Importing pictures into Word is very easy, just take the following steps:
Left click the INSERT menu option. A pop up menu appears.
From the pop up menu, select PICTURES. A side menu appears.
From the side menu, select PICTURE FROM FILE.
Stripping each method into numbered lists avoids long, complex sentences with commands embedded in the middle. Of short sentences like this, Hemingway should approve.
I've used mouse clicks in this example, which you would just switch out for keyboard commands. I didn't know the keyboard commands for this example!
HTH, but difficult to advise better when I don't know all the rules you have to abide by.
No pictures -- these users are visually impaired. Things are already numbered and as short as I can make them.
– April
5 hours ago
1
Then is it possible you've already done a great job and Hemingway is making you doubt your own skills?
– GGx
5 hours ago
1
It may be. I haven't done a tech document before (though I've taught tech writing), and I've never had so much time to proofread/edit the heck out of something. As an instructor, it was write&go (assignment sheets) , or give a few tips in student feedback. We don't have much collaboration in this office, which is partly what I was hoping for.
– April
5 hours ago
add a comment |
It's possible you're tying yourself in knots with Hemingway which is, perhaps, better for prose writers than technical writers.
Hemingway themselves state:
But what if I want to break the rules?
Rules are meant to be broken. If you know what you're doing, don't let
us stop you. View our suggestions as just that.
I used to write instructional manuals for IBM and Sun Microsystems. For new users, I'd try to emulate the formatting of a Dummies book. Word 2007 for Dummies has a Look Inside for you to see how they handle it.
If you aren't constrained by company formatting, try splitting out the processes with a quick explanation, followed by a numbered list of commands, with the clicks and keyboard strokes in bold, and explanations unbolded. Like this:
IMPORTING A PICTURE INTO A MS WORD DOCUMENT
Importing pictures into Word is very easy, just take the following steps:
Left click the INSERT menu option. A pop up menu appears.
From the pop up menu, select PICTURES. A side menu appears.
From the side menu, select PICTURE FROM FILE.
Stripping each method into numbered lists avoids long, complex sentences with commands embedded in the middle. Of short sentences like this, Hemingway should approve.
I've used mouse clicks in this example, which you would just switch out for keyboard commands. I didn't know the keyboard commands for this example!
HTH, but difficult to advise better when I don't know all the rules you have to abide by.
It's possible you're tying yourself in knots with Hemingway which is, perhaps, better for prose writers than technical writers.
Hemingway themselves state:
But what if I want to break the rules?
Rules are meant to be broken. If you know what you're doing, don't let
us stop you. View our suggestions as just that.
I used to write instructional manuals for IBM and Sun Microsystems. For new users, I'd try to emulate the formatting of a Dummies book. Word 2007 for Dummies has a Look Inside for you to see how they handle it.
If you aren't constrained by company formatting, try splitting out the processes with a quick explanation, followed by a numbered list of commands, with the clicks and keyboard strokes in bold, and explanations unbolded. Like this:
IMPORTING A PICTURE INTO A MS WORD DOCUMENT
Importing pictures into Word is very easy, just take the following steps:
Left click the INSERT menu option. A pop up menu appears.
From the pop up menu, select PICTURES. A side menu appears.
From the side menu, select PICTURE FROM FILE.
Stripping each method into numbered lists avoids long, complex sentences with commands embedded in the middle. Of short sentences like this, Hemingway should approve.
I've used mouse clicks in this example, which you would just switch out for keyboard commands. I didn't know the keyboard commands for this example!
HTH, but difficult to advise better when I don't know all the rules you have to abide by.
answered 7 hours ago
GGxGGx
6,74811343
6,74811343
No pictures -- these users are visually impaired. Things are already numbered and as short as I can make them.
– April
5 hours ago
1
Then is it possible you've already done a great job and Hemingway is making you doubt your own skills?
– GGx
5 hours ago
1
It may be. I haven't done a tech document before (though I've taught tech writing), and I've never had so much time to proofread/edit the heck out of something. As an instructor, it was write&go (assignment sheets) , or give a few tips in student feedback. We don't have much collaboration in this office, which is partly what I was hoping for.
– April
5 hours ago
add a comment |
No pictures -- these users are visually impaired. Things are already numbered and as short as I can make them.
– April
5 hours ago
1
Then is it possible you've already done a great job and Hemingway is making you doubt your own skills?
– GGx
5 hours ago
1
It may be. I haven't done a tech document before (though I've taught tech writing), and I've never had so much time to proofread/edit the heck out of something. As an instructor, it was write&go (assignment sheets) , or give a few tips in student feedback. We don't have much collaboration in this office, which is partly what I was hoping for.
– April
5 hours ago
No pictures -- these users are visually impaired. Things are already numbered and as short as I can make them.
– April
5 hours ago
No pictures -- these users are visually impaired. Things are already numbered and as short as I can make them.
– April
5 hours ago
1
1
Then is it possible you've already done a great job and Hemingway is making you doubt your own skills?
– GGx
5 hours ago
Then is it possible you've already done a great job and Hemingway is making you doubt your own skills?
– GGx
5 hours ago
1
1
It may be. I haven't done a tech document before (though I've taught tech writing), and I've never had so much time to proofread/edit the heck out of something. As an instructor, it was write&go (assignment sheets) , or give a few tips in student feedback. We don't have much collaboration in this office, which is partly what I was hoping for.
– April
5 hours ago
It may be. I haven't done a tech document before (though I've taught tech writing), and I've never had so much time to proofread/edit the heck out of something. As an instructor, it was write&go (assignment sheets) , or give a few tips in student feedback. We don't have much collaboration in this office, which is partly what I was hoping for.
– April
5 hours ago
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to Writing Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function ()
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fwriting.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f44362%2fplain-language-with-long-required-phrases%23new-answer', 'question_page');
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function ()
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
);
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Lot's of questions here… Is it possible to use inferred 2nd person, where "you/the user" is just skipped?
– wetcircuit
10 hours ago
Yes, I do use a lot of that. "Press insert+f5, navigate with down arrows to the most accurate option, then press enter to activate it."
– April
9 hours ago
yeesh, that is a long sentence… And this is necessary every time?
– wetcircuit
9 hours ago
You might try tricking the software by replacing the spaces in those phrases with some special character you don't normally use; like '^', which you can do a global replace on later with a space (or non-breaking space). So "CTRL^+^INSERT^+^T", and maybe Hemingway will count it as a single word.
– Amadeus
8 hours ago
1
I wonder if there are conventions specific to screen-readers that should factor into this. This question would benefit from input from somebody who regularly uses a screen-reader.
– Monica Cellio♦
8 hours ago