2.2.2.6-1 Menu Options Worded as Commands

The wording of menu options should consistently represent commands to the computer, rather than questions to the user.

Additional Information:
Wording options as commands will permit logical selection by pointing, facilitate the design of mnemonic codes for keyed entry, and help users learn commands in systems where commands can be used to bypass menus. Wording options as commands properly implies that the initiative in command entry lies with the user. Wording options as questions implies initiative by the computer. For example, for option selection by pointing, a "+" (or some other special symbol) might be used consistently to distinguish a selectable control option from other displayed items, e.g., (Good) +PRINT; (Bad) PRINT?. For option selection by code entry, the code for each option should be consistently indicated, e.g., (Good) p = Print; (Bad) Print? (Y/N).