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).