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original_url: "https://jace.pro/blog/terminology-and-wording/"
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Terminology and Wording# Terminology and Wording

September 19, 2019 [thoughts](/tags/thoughts/)

  Enable AI AnimationI took this from, [Hi’s styleguide](https://hi.service-now.com/styles/heisenberg/styleguide/docs/terminology_and_wording.html) as I don’t trust anyone to keep anything online. So this is just a local copy with opinions about word choices.

Note: Consider consulting with a technical writer before you commit UI text. Tech writers can help with clarity and consistency of UI text.

## [Avoid Using “Please”](#avoid-using-please)

Using “please” is unnecessary, unless you are asking the user to do something that is inconvenient or a result of a system error.

DoDo notSelect custom applicationPlease Select a custom applicationError encountered while executing the selected rules. Please contact system administrator for further assistanceError encountered while executing the selected rules. Contact system administrator for further assistance## [Avoid Using Words Interchangeably](#avoid-using-words-interchangeably)

Some words can have multiple meanings, depending on the context. Often, these words are used interchangeably with another word. For clarity, select and consistently use the less ambiguous meaning for each word.

For example, *because* and *since* should not be used interchangeably. The word *since* can have two meanings. To avoid ambiguity, always use *because* to provide a reason, and use *since* when referring to a specific point in time.

DoDo notGroup approval for {0} was deleted because it no longer matches approval ruleGroup approval for {0} was deleted since it no longer matches approval ruleAs another example, *once* and _after_should not be used interchangeably. The word *once* has two meanings. Always use *after* when referring to events that occur later than or in succession to another event, and use *once* when referring to events that occur one time.

DoDo notYou cannot change the State after it is Closed or CanceledYou cannot change the State once it is Closed or Canceled## [Spell Out Contractions](#spell-out-contractions)

Contractions can be hard to translate. Avoid contractions if at all possible.

DoDo notYou do not have any archived tasksYou don’t have any archived tasks## [Use Present Tense](#use-present-tense)

Present tense is easier to read and understand.

Avoid future tense and past tense if at all possible.

DoDo notProblem is closed when the related change is marked Closed CompleteProblem will be closed when the related change is marked Closed Complete## [Write Brief But Effective Text](#write-brief-but-effective-text)

In messages that tell users about an action that they can perform, use active voice by providing a direct command or addressing users directly with *you*.

DoDo notSpecify the start dateStart date must be specifiedYou can create bookmarks by dragging a link to the left edgeBookmarks are created by dragging a link to the left edgeOnly include enough detail to help users complete tasks.

DoDo notProvide a brief explanation for rejecting this codeEnter your comments for rejecting this code. This comment will be useful for the developer who submitted this code changeEdit the report settings, and then click **Run Report**You’ve chosen Edit mode, make adjustments above and press the button titled **Run Report**Remove unnecessary words. Examples of words that you can usually remove without altering your meaning include: - Adverbs. For example, really, quickly, and easily. - Articles (for example, the, a, and an) in the beginning of sentences. - Forms of “to be” that are used with another verb.

DoDo notArticle was not foundUnfortunately, the article cannot be foundChart is loadingThe chart is being loaded
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[View this page on GitHub](https://github.com/jacebenson/jace.pro/tree/main/./src/posts/2019/2019-09-18-terminology-and-wording.md).

[Terminology and Wording](https://jace.pro/blog/terminology-and-wording/) [Jace Benson](https://jace.pro) ![Jace Benson](https://jace.pro/icon-512x512.png)

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*This content is from Jace Benson's ServiceNow and tech blog at jace.pro*
*Original post: https://jace.pro/blog/terminology-and-wording/*