K
KENNING
A kenning is a synonym made from several words that can be used in place of a single word. Kennings are often used in poetic language. Kennings are used to add color and emphasis to a passage.
Example: wave’s steed, a ship
KEYBOARD TERMINOLOGY
The following is a list of keyboard keys that may be used in computer-related documentation:
ALT
Break
Clear
Delete
End
ESC (escape)
Home
Left Arrow
Page Down
Pause
Reset
Scroll Lock
Shift
Tab
Windows Logo Key
Backspace
Caps Lock
CTRL (control)
Down Arrow
Enter
F1 through F12
Insert
Num Lock (number lock)
Page Up
Print Screen
Right Arrow
Select
Spacebar
Up Arrow
When writing documentation that instructs a user to type a particular key, use lowercase bold to highlight the key.
Example: Type y in the field, then click OK.
The first time a key is mentioned, use the and key with the key name.
Example: Press the Enter key.
For subsequent mentions of the same key, omit the and key.
Example: Press Enter.
Keys that are typed simultaneously are called keyboard combinations. Keyboard combinations are indicated by adding a plus sign.
Example: CTRL + Shift
When writing about keyboard combinations, don’t use the word key.
Incorrect: Press CTRL + ALT + Delete keys
Correct: Press CTRL + ALT + Delete
Certain keyboard key names need to be spelled out when writing commands, because the key names are difficult to see or may be confusing. Spell plus sign, minus sign, hyphen, period, and comma when any of these keys are pressed as part of a command.
KILOBYTE
A kilobyte is 1,024 bytes. Kilobyte is abbreviated as KB.
When used as an adjective, add a hyphen between the number and the abbreviation.
Example: That’s an 800-KB data record.
When used in measurement, add a space after the number and add of to create a prepositional phrase.
Example: The data required 800 KB of storage.
KILOHERTZ
Kilohertz is a measurement of frequency that is equal to 1,000 cycles per second. The abbreviation for kilohertz is kHz.
Unless used as an adjective, leave a space between the number and the abbreviation. Spell kilohertz the first time it is mentioned and include the abbreviation in parentheses.
Example: The chip’s memory is rated at 500 kilohertz (kHz).
When used as an adjective preceding a noun, use a hyphen between the number and the abbreviation.
Example: That’s a 500-kHz processor.
KIND, KINDS
Kind is singular; kinds is plural.
Incorrect: She asked for those kind of flowers.
Correct: She asked for those kinds of flowers.
Correct: She asked for that kind of flower.
KIND OF, SORT OF
Kind of and sort of are unclear. Be definite when speaking or writing.
Incorrect: He appeared to be kind of ill.
Correct: He appeared to be rather ill.
Incorrect: She was sort of ill at ease.
Correct: She was somewhat ill at ease.