Whether we use users or user?

Question

I am wondering whether we use "user" or "users" in a technical document; specifically a user guide or specification document in those sentences like " with this feature user can issue . ...." or " this feature helps user ...."? My work is checking and editing technical documents, it feels like both of them are correct but which one is standard?

Answer 1

You can use either, but if using the singular "user", you must use an article like "a" or "the".

For example: "With this feature the user can issue..." or "This feature helps the user..."

With the plural "users", an article is generally not necessary:

Examples: "With this feature, users can issue..." or "This features helps users..."

Whichever one you choose, make sure that it is consistent throughout the document. Don't switch back and forth between the two.