Unify the language in the Guide

[David Holmes]

Hi Jesper,

On 17/12/2020 7:41 am, Jesper Wilhelmsson wrote:
> Hi,
> 
> I'd like to unify the language in the Guide with regards to contractions. However I can't decide if we should go all in on using contractions or avoid them all together - or if there are cases for both.
> 
> is not -- isn't
> do not -- don't
> are not -- aren't
> etc
> 
> I haven't found a good English language guide to explain wether it's more correct to use contractions or not to use them in a text like the Guide. Any ideas here?

More an issue of style: formal versus informal IMO. I consulted a few 
technical books, published in the US, which I would consider "guides" 
and they seem to use contractions. For example the Pro-Git book uses 
them. But in contrast JLS (a more formal specification) seems not to 
(though one "doesn't" seems to have snuck in).

I'd consider the guide more informal so contractions are fine IMO.

Cheers,
David
-----

> Personally I prefer using contractions, but I'm not a native English speaker so what do I know :-)
> 
> There may also be a difference between British English and American English (there usually is), if so we should strive to use American English in the Guide.
> 
> Any opinions in either direction is much appreciated.
> 
> Thanks,
> /Jesper
>