simple-english

Classify each passage as procedural or descriptive, then apply the STE rules: 20-word limit for procedures, 25-word limit for descriptions, imperative voice for instructions, and one term per concept. Run the self-check for contractions, banned modals, and trailing conditions before delivering.

Pragmatic mode applies structural rules while allowing domain technical nouns like webhook or commit. Strict mode adds full vocabulary discipline, requires make sure that for verification, and tells the user that full compliance needs the official ASD dictionary.

Yes. Error messages follow the procedural pattern: state what happened in simple past, give the cause if known, then provide the fix as an imperative. Remove filler like Oops, Please ensure, and apology phrases.

Should is not an approved modal under Rule 3.2. For requirements, write must. For recommendations, delete the word or state the fact directly. This matters for agent instructions because language models read should as optional.

STE is designed for technical facts and instructions. Do not apply it to marketing copy, blog posts, brand writing, or persuasive content because the standard deletes persuasion by design. Use a human voice skill for those instead.