and/or

In several english-speaking countries, slash (/) is a slang term. The term and/or denotes that both can happen and often leads to confusion and ambiguity. Although, MSTP accepts this style, writers can elaborate it for more clarity based on context.
Example:

1. Your name and/or password is incorrect.
2. Police told,"You will be charged $150 and/or 15 days jail."

Better: Police told,"You will be charged $150 or 15 days jail or both."

Usage of Quotation Mark

Where to add a quotation in a statement?

·         "My name is XYZ"

·         "My name is XYZ."

·         "My name is XYZ".

We must check the language before editing the text. At times, U.S. and U.K. have different punctuation rules.

·         U.S.: "My name is XYZ."

·         U.K.: "My name is XYZ".

If punctuation is not part of the quotation, it is used outside the quotation.

·         Is it a “smart phone”?

·         Is it a “smart phone”?

Spelling: email vs. e-mail

Spelling: email vs. e-mail

Replacement of text in MS word

In a word document when I am selecting a word or a character and trying to replace it with some other character. Then instead of replacement, the new charater is added before the existing one.
Note: I am not using find and replace function.
Sol: In the word go to File>Option>Advanced. In the Editing options section, select Typing replaces selected text check-box.

French influence in English

Before 1066 AD Britain was invaded by many different nationalities, and many words were taken into the language, however, French had the most influence in English language.
There are words that have similar meaning but different usage.
Case 1:
Commence (French: commencer): It is usually used in official language. ‘The new government food scheme will commence from 1st April 2006.’
‘Begin’ is more general. ‘At what time will you begin your journey tomorrow.’
Case 2:
Demand (French: demande): It has a strong meaning where you are giving the other person little choice. ‘Our Major demands complete obedience.’
‘Ask’ is much gentler: 'He raised his hand because he wanted to ask me a question.'
Case 3:
Finish (French: finis): To come to an end; stop. 'The concert finishes at 8 0'clock.'
‘End’ something lengthy that ends. 'The whole country went crazy when they heard that the war hand ended.’

Technical Writing Checklists: An Overview

Technical Writing Checklists: An Overview

Till v/s Until

Till and until are generally interchangeable in both writing and speech. Till is actually the older word, with until having been formed by the addition to it of the prefix un-, meaning "up to." Till is not the short form of until.
The adjective 'till' is used for qualifying a verb. It does not impose any condition like 'until'.

See the example below:
He waited for her till 5 p.m.
John sleeps till he got a call.
You shouldn't move out until you get my confirmation.