Business & Technical Writing/Braces

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Expert: - 4/24/2008


Question
Hi, I would like to know the correct way to indicate an unlabled piece of data.  That is, for example, a number that is subject to change.  Currently, I am writing: "Click on {menu-number} to advance to the next screen."  Menu-number is in braces because the number may change if other choices are added to the menu.  Is the use of braces in this instance acceptable?

Answer
Dear John--

Thank you for your question, and thank you for using AllExperts.com. Unfortunately, I don't believe there are any hard and fast answers to your question.

I have checked my Chicago Manual of Style, which is, to my way of thinking, the definitive authority on the type of usage about which you're inquiring. Braces, which are also called 'curly brackets,' are used to delimit (set off) the elements of a set. Sec. 6.109 (Use of Angle Brackets) in the CMOS says, "Braces are heavily used in programming languages as well as in mathematical and other specialized writing." In terms of math or programming or the kind of work that you appear to be doing, that's about it.

My own answer to your question is that, whatever you do, (a) be consistent, and (b) test your usage on a couple of colleagues. My hunch is that, so long as you are consistent and the usage makes what you're doing clear to your colleagues, about any way you want to do it will be acceptable.

One little nit, if you don't mind: Run your spell-checker before you finish something. There's a misspelled word in your question to me.

Hope this is helpful. I'd appreciate it if you'd be kind enough to take the time to complete the 'Rate the Expert' e-mail you'll be getting right after you get this. Your ratings help me help folks like you better.

Take care, and thanks for a most interesting question.

Warren

Dear John--

I think your ratings of me are goofy. You're looking for hard and fast rules where there are none. But there are in spelling.

Chill out man.

WDM

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Warren D. Miller

Expertise

I believe I can answer nearly any question about business writing. That goes in spades if the target audience is a lay readership. I make my living writing and speaking. N.B.: I DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS MARKED 'PRIVATE' because I believe that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. I also believe such questions are likely to be submitted by people trying to cheat. In addition, don't waste your time asking me to write something for you. You don't learn anything if I do that. I'm happy to critique something that YOU write, of course. That's the best way for you to learn how to write well.

Experience

My profession is business valuation, which means appraising businesses whose shares are not publicly traded. This requires in-depth knowledge about a number of disciplines, including economics, finance, strategic management, accounting, anthropology, statistics, and psychology. The left-brain part of me must conduct rigorous research and financial analysis. The right-brain side must then separate what matters from what doesn't and then explain it all in writing (and in everyday English) to people (usually business owners, but sometimes judges and juries) who do not have the expertise that I have been lucky enough to acquire over the years. I love what I do and consider myself fortunate to live in a country where I can do what I love doing and make a nice living doing it. I am glad to help with writing issues, but NOT, please, with any valuation, business consulting, or other non-writing questions.

Organizations
CFA Institute, American Society of Appraisers, Strategic Management Society, Academy of Management, Culver Legion, National Association of Scholars.

Publications
Besides two published books (search for "Warren D. Miller" on Amazon), I have written for the Harvard Business Review, American Fly Fisher, Business Valuation Review, CPA Expert, Academy of Management Executive, CFA Digest, Valuation Strategies, and others.

Education/Credentials
MBA - Oklahoma State U. (1991); BBA - U. of Oklahoma (1975); Chartered Financial Analyst designation (2006) Accredited Senior Appraiser (2006) Certified Public Accountant (1992)

Awards and Honors
Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year (2001) - American Institute of CPAs Winner - Oklahoma Humorous-Speaking Contest - Toastmasters International (1971)

Past/Present Clients
Confidential.

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