Microsoft® Manual of Style, Fourth Edition

Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism is attributing human characteristics or behavior to things that are not human. In technical writing there is an understandable temptation to anthropomorphize in order to make difficult material easier for the reader to relate to. Do not succumb to this temptation.

Because anthropomorphism is a form of metaphor, it can cause the same readability problems as other forms of metaphor. Not all readers will grasp the limits of the metaphor. Further, anthropomorphic metaphors may be interpreted differently by people from different cultures.

Anthropomorphism in technical writing is often the result of an imprecise or incomplete understanding of the topic at hand. While anthropomorphism may help you work toward a clearer ...