# Simplified Technical English

Rewrites comments and documents in short ASD-STE100 sentences with one meaning each.

- Repository: https://github.com/paperclipai/paperclip (109885 stars)
- Category: Writing
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-11-01
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add paperclipai/paperclip --skill simplified-english -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add paperclipai/paperclip --skill simplified-english -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add paperclipai/paperclip --skill simplified-english -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add paperclipai/paperclip --skill simplified-english -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

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.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# 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")