"concealed" imperatives

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Seiichi MYOGA
Posts: 64
Joined: Thu May 06, 2004 6:13 am

"concealed" imperatives

Post by Seiichi MYOGA » Fri May 14, 2004 3:53 am

What do you think of (1)?

(1) All you do is click the button and your information automatically appears in the fields.

(This is cited from the explanation about Google Toolbar-AutoFill.)

Another way you usually have to say it is (2).

(2) Just click the button and your information automatically appears in the fields.

So far, so good, I suppose.

Question 1:
One of the two things that weigh on my mind is whether we can add the subject as in (3).

(3) You only click the button and your information automatically appears in the fields.

Question 2:
And suppose all the three above are equally acceptable, which do you think is most tactful to say in terms of advertising?

Generally, imperatives don't need you to take politeness into consideration, unless facing your addresee, you ask him/her to do something immediately after you have said it. In spite of that, do you choose (1) as the best because you avoid the form if possible, so as to make a better impression on your addressee(s)?

Thank you in advance

Seiichi MYOGA

Harzer
Posts: 149
Joined: Fri May 02, 2003 3:17 am
Location: Australia

Post by Harzer » Sat May 15, 2004 11:44 am

Both (1) and (2) are acceptable in a technical explanation.

To remove the imperative force of their verbs it is best to say:

"You only have to click the button for your information to appear in the fields"

Harzer

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