The Technical Definition and the Technical Description

The Formal Sentence Definition

A Formal Sentence Definition is always mentioned in the introduction of a Technical Definition or a Technical Description.

• A formal sentence definition contains three parts:

• The term being defined;• The group/class into which the term is placed;• The distinguishing feature(s) separating the term from other members of the group/class.

•Some pitfalls to avoid when creating a formal sentence definition include

• circularity;• a group that is too broad or too narrow;• and an illogical reference to time or place

The Technical Definition: Working Points

Some matters to consider when creating a Technical Definition:

• This writing technique is seldom produced as a stand-alone document but is most often included as part of a larger document.

• When produced as a stand-alone document, it is usually formatted as a short report.

• The introduction always includes a formal sentence definition.

• Two or more expansion techniques are listed in the introduction and then developed in the body sections of the report.

• The conclusion merely summarizes the main points made in the text.

The Technical Description: Working Points

Some matters to consider when creating a Technical Description:

• This writing technique is sometimes produced as a stand-alone document but is more often a part of a larger document.

• When produced as a stand-alone document, it is usually, but not always, formatted as a short report.

• The introduction always includes a formal sentence definition, an overall description of subject/object, and a bulleted/numbered list of main parts.

• The introduction also mentions the purpose of the description and the method by which the subject/object will be described, i.e., some spatial method or an order of importance method based on a specific principle.

• The body sections of the report are each devoted to one part of the subject/object being described.

• The conclusion describes one complete operating cycle of the subject/object or indicates how the parts work together (or both).