diff --git a/doc/nano.1 b/doc/nano.1
index 3ac554d7..147ab18f 100644
--- a/doc/nano.1
+++ b/doc/nano.1
@@ -360,8 +360,8 @@ understand the digits as a line number.  If the trimmed filename does
 not exist either, then repeat the process and understand the obtained
 two numbers as line and column number.  But if the doubly trimmed
 filename does not exist either, then forget the trimming and accept
-the original filename as is.  To disable this colon parsing, use
-something like \fB+1\fR before the filename.
+the original filename as is.  To disable this colon parsing for some
+file, use \fB+1\fR or similar before the relevant filename.
 .TP
 .BR \-% ", " \-\-stateflags
 Use the top-right corner of the screen for showing some state flags:
diff --git a/doc/nano.texi b/doc/nano.texi
index 0c23ab81..11becf2d 100644
--- a/doc/nano.texi
+++ b/doc/nano.texi
@@ -728,8 +728,8 @@ understand the digits as a line number.  If the trimmed filename does
 not exist either, then repeat the process and understand the obtained
 two numbers as line and column number.  But if the doubly trimmed
 filename does not exist either, then forget the trimming and accept
-the original filename as is.  To disable this colon parsing, use
-something like @code{+1} before the filename.
+the original filename as is.  To disable this colon parsing for some
+file, use @code{+1} or similar before the relevant filename.
 
 @item -%
 @itemx --stateflags
@@ -947,8 +947,8 @@ understand the digits as a line number.  If the trimmed filename does
 not exist either, then repeat the process and understand the obtained
 two numbers as line and column number.  But if the doubly trimmed
 filename does not exist either, then forget the trimming and accept
-the original filename as is.  To disable this colon parsing, use
-something like @code{+1} before the filename.
+the original filename as is.  To disable this colon parsing for some
+file, use @code{+1} or similar before the relevant filename.
 
 @item set constantshow
 Constantly display the cursor position on the status bar.
diff --git a/doc/nanorc.5 b/doc/nanorc.5
index 38ff487d..af3f1479 100644
--- a/doc/nanorc.5
+++ b/doc/nanorc.5
@@ -129,8 +129,8 @@ understand the digits as a line number.  If the trimmed filename does
 not exist either, then repeat the process and understand the obtained
 two numbers as line and column number.  But if the doubly trimmed
 filename does not exist either, then forget the trimming and accept
-the original filename as is.  To disable this colon parsing, use
-something like \fB+1\fR before the filename.
+the original filename as is.  To disable this colon parsing for some
+file, use \fB+1\fR or similar before the relevant filename.
 .TP
 .B set constantshow
 Constantly display the cursor position in the status bar.