Instead of the probably correct structure:
Our software XYZ allows the user to resize and modify PNG images.
I’m looking for a way to do it without specifying a person (or people):
Our software XYZ allows to resize and modify PNG images.
Does the latter sound strange for a native English speaker?
Which one is more idiomatic?
(“to allow somebody to do something” vs. “to allow to do something”)Is there another way to say it without involving the user
with another verb than “allow”?
Note: the goal of the sentence is to list the features of a software product,
and here is a French sentence I was trying to translate:Notre logiciel XYZ permet de redimensionner les images au format PNG et de les modifier.
Answer
Hmm, the “ultimate” solution really depends on the kind of material you are translating. For example, is the style more like “advertising” (bragging about it in a single paragraph) or “user manual”?
If it’s “advertising” then
Our software XYZ allows PNG image resizing as well as editing.
That follows the “tone” of the original almost 100%
Our software XYZ allows PNG image resizing and editing.
The reason for “editing” instead of “modifying” : it’s well known, accepted, usual way of saying it. Many languages don’t have good 1-1 translation for “editing” and then they use “modifying”.
Our software XYZ makes resizing and editing PNG images easy.
The reason for “makes” and “easy” : because it’s advertising 🙂 You wouldn’t be bragging if you didn’t think that it makes something easy.
Our software XYZ helps with PNG image resizing and editing.
The reason for “helps with” – to make it less braggy and to avoid “allows” which is too literal. The original is really saying “makes it possible to resize and edit PNG images”. So, OK that’s another viable variant:
Our software XYZ makes it possible to resize and edit PNG images.
If the style is “user manual”, then:
Our software XYZ lets you resize and edit PNG images.
The reason: it’s more active, engaging. Creates the atmosphere in which someone is having a conversation with user. Engaging => not dull 🙂
Attribution
Source : Link , Question Author : Basj , Answer Author : ZXX