# Write Math

> Mathematical writing and exposition guide based on Tao, Knuth, Halmos, and other leading references. Use whenever you produce or discuss mathematical content in any venue -- including chat responses and docstrings, not only file edits: (1) writing or editing mathematical prose in LaTeX, Pandoc Markdown, plain text, or Lean docstrings with mathematical content, (2) stating theorems, structuring proofs, or writing proof sketches (including informal sketches in a chat response), (3) explaining mathematical concepts, propositions, definitions, or results to the user, (4) summarizing or reporting on mathematical work or proof-formalization progress, (5) choosing, reviewing, or disambiguating notation, (6) organizing a mathematics paper, (7) reviewing mathematical exposition for clarity and correctness.

- Skill: `cboone/write-math` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 9 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cboone/write-math`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cboone/write-math/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Docs & Writing
- Author: cboone (https://skillmd.com/u/cboone)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cboone/write-math

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# Write Math

Apply the mathematical writing conventions from the reference files below when
drafting or editing mathematical content in any format.

## Core Principles

1. **Clarity over cleverness** -- write so a graduate student beginning studies
   in the field can follow your argument
1. **Reader-centered exposition** -- minimize the reader's effort at every turn;
   signal where you are going and why
1. **Consistent notation** -- define symbols before use, reuse the same letter
   for the same concept, and never overload
1. **Structured proofs** -- state the theorem first, summarize the proof
   strategy, then present the formal argument in linear forward flow
1. **Communication over impression** -- plain language beats jargon; repetition
   beats synonym-hunting

## Workflow

1. Review against the essential checklist:
   `./references/essential/checklist.md`
1. For specific questions, consult the comprehensive references below

## Reference Navigation

**Quick reviews (default):**

- `references/essential/checklist.md` -- condensed, actionable rules

**Deep dives by topic:**

- `references/comprehensive/notation.md` -- notation principles, implicit
  conventions, TeX macros, disambiguation
- `references/comprehensive/theorems-and-proofs.md` -- theorem/lemma hierarchy,
  proof structure, statement design
- `references/comprehensive/paper-structure.md` -- title, abstract,
  introduction, body, conclusions, appendices
- `references/comprehensive/english-usage.md` -- sentence structure, word
  choice, logical connectives, common errors
- `references/comprehensive/reader-centered-writing.md` -- audience awareness,
  examples, signposting, assertion status
- `references/comprehensive/citations-and-references.md` -- signposting
  citations, specific references, journal selection
- `references/comprehensive/revision-and-process.md` -- drafting workflow,
  revision strategy, collaboration, reading math

## Sources

- Tao, T. "Advice on Writing Papers" (6 posts). terrytao.wordpress.com.
- Knuth, D., Larrabee, T., and Roberts, P. _Mathematical Writing_. 1989.
- Cohn, H. "Advice." cohn.mit.edu.
- Poonen, B. "Practical Suggestions for Mathematical Writing." MIT.
- Conrad, K. "Advice on Mathematical Writing." UConn.
- Su, F. E. "Guidelines for Good Mathematical Writing."
- Tsitsiklis, J. N. "A Few Tips on Writing Papers with Mathematical Content."
- Lagarias, J. C. "How to Write a Math Paper."
- Goldreich, O. "How to Write a Paper."
- Pak, I. "How to Write a Clear Math Paper: Some 21st Century Tips."
- Trzeciak, J. _Writing Mathematical Papers in English_. EMS, 1995.
- Berndt, B. C. "How to Write Mathematical Papers." UIUC.
- Krantz, S. G. "How to Write Your First Paper." AMS, 2007.
- Wang, R. "Suggestions for Writing Mathematics in Scientific Papers." 2024.
- Lee, K. P. "A Guide to Writing Mathematics." MIT.
- MIT 18.821. "Notes on Writing Mathematics."
- Cambridge. "A Brief Guide to Mathematical Writing."