The entry for "display" in the word usage guide (section D) states:
Use only as a transitive verb. For example, write "the system displays a message" or "the message is displayed" (not "the message displays").
The guidance mixes two different grammatical concepts:
- "the system displays a message" - transitive verb in active voice ✓
- "the message is displayed" - passive voice (not a transitive construction)
- "the message displays" - intransitive verb ✗
While passive voice CAN be derived from transitive verbs, saying "use only as a transitive verb" and then showing a passive voice example is inconsistent.
Suggested clarification:
Change the guidance to either:
- "Don't use intransitively" OR
- "Use transitively in active voice, or use passive voice"
This would make the rule clearer and align the stated guidance with the examples.
The entry for "display" in the word usage guide (section D) states:
The guidance mixes two different grammatical concepts:
While passive voice CAN be derived from transitive verbs, saying "use only as a transitive verb" and then showing a passive voice example is inconsistent.
Suggested clarification:
Change the guidance to either:
This would make the rule clearer and align the stated guidance with the examples.