simplified-english
Lets your agent write very clearly and simply. Helps ensure everyone understands technical instructions.
What it does
This tool helps you write clear and easy-to-understand text, following specific technical English rules. It ensures your messages are understood on the first read.
When to use it
- ✓When writing technical manuals.
- ✓When creating project plans.
- ✓When drafting user comments.
Example of what to ask your AI
“Write a paragraph about how to turn on a computer in simplified technical English.”
Want more? Open the sections below.
How to use
The easiest way: copy the message below and paste it into Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor or any AI. It reads the skill and follows the instructions.
Skill link
Ready-to-paste message
How it works
The tool uses a restricted vocabulary and short, direct sentences. It avoids complicated words and ensures each sentence has only one instruction or idea.
Installation
Easiest way: copy the skill link and paste it into Claude, ChatGPT or Cursor asking it to follow the instructions.
In the terminal (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor), in your project folder:
npx skills add paperclipai/paperclip --skill simplified-englishOr download just the file:
curl -L https://raw.githubusercontent.com/paperclipai/paperclip/master/packages/skills-catalog/catalog/optional/content/simplified-english/SKILL.md -o SKILL.mdTechnical content (original SKILL.md)
Original text by the author, straight from GitHub.
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")
FAQ
What is ASD-STE100?
It is a set of rules for writing clear and unambiguous technical English, mainly used in manuals and technical documentation.
Why use simplified technical English?
To ensure people from different backgrounds and knowledge levels understand the information correctly, avoiding misinterpretations.
Can I use any word?
No, you must use only words approved by the ASD-STE100 standard or simple, common words with a single meaning. Avoid synonyms and jargon.
Details
Original description by the author
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.
repo: paperclipai/paperclip
Popularity
- GitHub stars
- 103k
- Ranking position
- #387
- License
- MIT
- Updated
- 10/16/2026
Comments
- …
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