Common Problems in Message Strings

• use active voice instead of passive voice.
• can’t –> cannot
• may –> can
• may not –> cannot
  • selection cannot be empty.
• must not –> cannot
• must be [saved] –> have to be
  • You have to save the .. (according to MS)
• Verbs:
  • 'click' for buttons
  • 'press' for keyboard
  • 'type' for words
• Do not end with a preposition
  • No packages to choose from -> Cannot find packages to select.
• Ambiguity:
  • The following modified resources must be saved to continue.\n Press OK to confirm or Cancel otherwise. ->
       The following modified resources have to be saved to continue.\n Click OK to confirm or click Cancel.
  • The package must exist ->
       This package does not exist
  • If you want to proceed, please press 'Next' or 'Finish'. ->
       Click 'Next' to view the next item or 'Finish'.
  • Searches and selects the given package. ->
       Searches for and selects the package entered.
  • Control how text is automatically modified while typing ->
       Select options for automatic text modifications
  • Correct package declaration ->
       The package declaration needs to be corrected.