File: gettext.info,  Node: Decent English style,  Next: Entire sentences,  Up: Preparing Strings

4.3.1 Decent English style
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   Translatable strings should be in good English style.  If slang
language with abbreviations and shortcuts is used, often translators
will not understand the message and will produce very inappropriate
translations.

     "%s: is parameter\n"

This is nearly untranslatable: Is the displayed item _a_ parameter or
_the_ parameter?

     "No match"

The ambiguity in this message makes it unintelligible: Is the program
attempting to set something on fire?  Does it mean "The given object
does not match the template"?  Does it mean "The template does not fit
for any of the objects"?

   In both cases, adding more words to the message will help both the
translator and the English speaking user.