writing-clearly-and-concisely

Apply Strunk's rules to prose for clarity and conciseness.

Updated Jan 12, 2021
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jssee/.dotfiles --skill writing-clearly-and-concisely-jssee
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: writing-clearly-and-concisely
Source: https://github.com/jssee/.dotfiles/tree/main/.config/opencode/skill/writing-clearly-and-concisely
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jssee/.dotfiles --skill writing-clearly-and-concisely-jssee

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

The Skill helps writers improve clarity and decrease wordiness by applying William Strunk Jr.'s principles to everyday prose—documentation, commit messages, error messages, UI copy, and reports—so readers understand content faster.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Rule-based copyediting guidance: Enforces active voice, definite language, and conciseness across the entire text.
  • Contextual rewriting: Suggests improvements while preserving meaning, tone, and intent.
  • Use Case: Ideal for preparing documentation, code comments, release notes, and UI text that communicates clearly to humans.

Quick Start

Provide a paragraph you want improved, and ask this AI to rewrite it using Strunk's rules.

Frequently Asked Questions about writing-clearly-and-concisely

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I make my technical documentation more clear and concise?

To make technical documentation more clear and concise, apply Strunk's rules to enforce active voice, definite language, and omit needless words while preserving the original meaning and tone. This helps readers understand content faster.

How do I rewrite commit messages using active voice?

Rewrite commit messages using active voice by applying rule-based copyediting guidance that enforces definite language and positive form. This ensures your commit messages communicate clearly to humans.

What is the best way to edit UI copy for conciseness?

The best way to edit UI copy for conciseness is to apply Strunk's principles to remove wordiness. This contextual rewriting process suggests improvements while preserving intent, ensuring text communicates clearly to users.

Can I use this for editing error messages and release notes?

Yes, you can use this for editing error messages and release notes. It is designed for development and product workflows to enforce active voice and omit needless words across everyday prose.

How do you apply Strunk's rules to existing text?

You apply Strunk's rules to existing text by providing a paragraph you want improved and asking the AI to rewrite it. The skill enforces active voice, definite language, and omission of needless words during the edit.

Does this copyediting method change the original tone of my reports?

No, this copyediting method does not change the original tone of your reports. It suggests improvements while preserving meaning, tone, and intent to decrease wordiness and improve clarity.