This question relates to English grammar and correct usage when writing gitlog messages and patch series cover letters. The writing of gitlog messages is covered in submitting-patches.rst, of note is the mood to use. It is not stated but I think it is a subjunctive description of the problem being addressed followed by an imperative description of what is being done in the patch. Please correct me if I am wrong. The question is: what mood to use in the cover letter. Also, is the subject of the cover letter explicit or implicit? Said another way is it acceptable to say 'this series' within the cover letter? It is specifically stated not to use the subject within the patch itself, however, many patch sets on LKML use the subject in the cover letter. Finally, has anyone, within easy reach, a link to a canonical patch set cover letter. I have searched LKML but am unable to judge for myself. I would like to add a link to the kernel newbies wiki also if one is available. thanks, Tobin.