elements-of-style

Apply the "omit needless words" rule: delete qualifiers like very and really, replace phrases such as "due to the fact that" with "because", and cut sentences that merely announce the next one. The Skill's substitution table maps common wordy phrases to shorter equivalents.

Lead each section with a topic sentence, use imperative active voice, and name the behavior rather than the mechanism. Replace vague terms like "various" or "improved" with concrete numbers, file names, and exact error text.

Use passive voice deliberately when the actor is unknown, irrelevant, or when you are avoiding blame, such as "The key was leaked" in a post-mortem. Otherwise prefer active voice because it is shorter and names who performs the action.

The English rules of usage, such as comma placement and possessives, do not transfer to other languages. The underlying principles of being concrete, positive, and brief still apply to localized strings and translated copy.

Break a rule only deliberately when the sentence improves, such as using a fragment for emphasis or a negative when contrast is the point. House style guides override Strunk on matters like the serial comma and spelling conventions.