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To illustrate, the example below blocks out the dialog so that only the buttons are visible. The button labels with action verbs allow users to take action, but the buttons that use “Yes/No” labels don’t. Action verb button labels are more task-efficient. Each action verb you use has a specific connotation.
Too many words on a button label make users read more. When you use the imperative form in an active voice, you minimize the number of words and make the button label easier to scan. The active imperative form turns verb phrases into commands. This form allows you to drop the subject and unnecessary articles for a more concise button label.
When to use the active imperative form in a button label?
The active imperative form turns verb phrases into commands. This form allows you to drop the subject and unnecessary articles for a more concise button label. All you need to include on your button label is a verb with an adverb or direct object.
The active imperative form turns verb phrases into commands. This form allows you to drop the subject and unnecessary articles for a more concise button label. All you need to include on your button label is a verb with an adverb or direct object. Users trust and understand commands on button labels more.
Action verb button labels are more task-efficient. Each action verb you use has a specific connotation. If your diction isn’t precise, users can misinterpret what the button will do. For example, the words “delete” and “remove” are similar in meaning, but different in connotation.
Which is the correct word for submit button?
To illustrate, the word “submit” is a technical term you can use for most buttons. But that would make the button labels vague and generic. When users read it, it’s unclear what happens because the label is not specific to the task. In contrast, the word “publish” is specific to online publishing.
Compare that with generic “yes/no” button labels often used on confirmation screens. Users have to read the dialog before they can take action. If they skip or misread the dialog, they’ll press the wrong button. Passive labels not only make it riskier to take action, but it forces users to do more work.