# Simplified English

> Write user-facing comments, plans, and documents in ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English — short, unambiguous sentences with approved words and one meaning each — so readers understand them the first time.

- Skill: `paperclipai/simplified-english` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add paperclipai/simplified-english`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/paperclipai/simplified-english/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: paperclipai (https://skillmd.com/u/paperclipai)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/paperclipai/simplified-english

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# Simplified English

For user-facing comments, plans, and documents, write using only ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English.

## Core rules

- Use short sentences (procedures ≤ 20 words, descriptions ≤ 25 words).
- Give one instruction per sentence.
- Use approved words with one meaning each; avoid synonyms and jargon.
- Use the active voice and the present tense.
- Use articles ("the", "a") and do not drop words to save space.
- Write positive instructions; avoid negative or vague qualifiers.
- Keep paragraphs to one topic.

## Approved words

The approved words are the ASD-STE100 controlled vocabulary — the Dictionary in the current ASD-STE100 specification, plus the technical names and technical verbs that your subject needs. When a word is not approved, use the simplest common word that has one meaning. Prefer these house choices:

- "start" / "stop" (not "initiate", "commence", "terminate", "kill")
- "make" (not "implement", "leverage", "utilize")
- "before" / "after" (not "prior to", "subsequent to")
- "about" (not "regarding", "in relation to")
- "help" (not "facilitate")
- "use" (not "utilize", "employ")