Microsoft® Manual of Style, Fourth Edition

S

(s), (es)

Do not add (s) or (es) to a singular noun to indicate that it can be singular or plural. In general, use plural, but be guided by meaning. If it’s important to indicate both, use one or more.

Microsoft style

To add rows or columns to a table,…

To add one or more rows or columns to a table,…

Not Microsoft style

To add a row(s) or column(s) to a table,…

sample vs. preview

A sample is a graphic representation of something that might show up on screen, not an exact representation of what is in the file that the user is working on.

A preview is a graphic representation of exactly what the user will see on screen.

Microsoft style

This displays a sample of what the control will look like with the scheme applied. To preview what the control will look ...