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# Page 125 of 434

ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English
GR-3 How to use pronouns
Pronouns refer to a person, a location, or an item that is already in a text. Examples of pronouns
are "it," "they," "that," "these," and "those." If you use the pronouns correctly, your text will be easy
to read.
In STE, the approved pronouns are in the dictionary. Do not use a pronoun if it is not in the
dictionary (for example, "she" or "he").
If a pronoun can refer to one or more nouns in a text, it can cause ambiguity in a sentence. If there
is ambiguity, replace the pronoun with the word that it refers to. This will make the sentence clear
and easier to read.
Examples:

| Do not write: | If you engage the pins incorrectly with the seats, they can become damaged. |
| --- | --- |
| WRITE: | If you engage the pins incorrectly with the seats, the pins can become damaged. |

Or
If you engage the pins incorrectly with the seats, the seats can become damaged.
Or

| If you engage the pins incorrectly with the seats, the pins and seats can become |
| --- |
| damaged. |

GR-4 The pronoun "this"
When you use the pronoun "this" in a sentence, make sure that the reader knows the item the
pronoun refers to. If "this" can refer to more than one item, give the applicable context again.
Examples:

| Do not write: | If you engage the pins incorrectly with the seats, they can become damaged. |
| --- | --- |
| WRITE: | If you engage the pins incorrectly with the seats, the pins can become damaged. |

Or the cover in the unlocked condition?)

| WRITE: | Make sure that the cover is not locked. If the cover is locked, this can cause |
| --- | --- |
|  | damage to the probe. |

Or
If the cover is locked, damage to the probe can occur.

| Do not write: | If you engage the pins incorrectly with the seats, they can become damaged. |
| --- | --- |
| WRITE: | If you engage the pins incorrectly with the seats, the pins can become damaged. |

| WRITE: | Make sure that the cover is not locked. If the cover is locked, this can cause |
| --- | --- |
|  | damage to the probe. |

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# Page 126 of 434

ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English
GR-5 False friends
A false friend is a word or an expression that looks the same as one in a person's native language
but that has a different meaning in a different language. For example, the English word
"disposition" and the Italian word "disposizione," or the Spanish word "disposición."
If you are a non-native English speaker, when you use a word, make sure that this word has the
correct meaning in English (not the meaning of the word that looks the same in your native
language).
Example:

| Do not write: | Obey the dispositions of the manufacturer when you use this adhesive. |
| --- | --- |

("disposition" in English does not mean an "instruction.")

| WRITE: | When you use this adhesive, obey the manufacturer's instructions. |
| --- | --- |

GR-6 Latin abbreviations
In English texts, you can find some Latin abbreviations (for example, "e.g." for "for example," "i.e.,"
for "that is," and "etc." for "and so on"). STE recommends that you do not use Latin abbreviations
because they can confuse your readers if they do not know them. Always use English words to
make the text clear.
Examples:

| Do not write: | Obey the dispositions of the manufacturer when you use this adhesive. |
| --- | --- |

remove them.

| WRITE: | When you use this adhesive, obey the manufacturer's instructions. |
| --- | --- |

remove them.

| Do not write: | Obey the dispositions of the manufacturer when you use this adhesive. |
| --- | --- |

| WRITE: | When you use this adhesive, obey the manufacturer's instructions. |
| --- | --- |

or other colors.
You can omit these abbreviations when they are not necessary.

| WRITE: | When you use this adhesive, obey the manufacturer's instructions. |
| --- | --- |

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# Page 127 of 434

ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English
GR-7 Inclusive language
Inclusive language prevents bias and makes sure that all persons have respect and
representation. The objective of inclusive language is to use neutral and non-discriminatory terms
and expressions to promote equality and inclusivity in communication.
STE does not include examples of inclusive language, but it fully complies with gender-neutral
language requirements. When you write in STE, make sure that you always use gender-neutral
language. Gender-specific pronouns, for example "he" or "she" are not permitted in STE. The
words "man" and "woman" are also not permitted in STE, unless these words are necessary in an
applicable context, for example, in a medical text. STE always uses neutral terms and
constructions to prevent gender bias in technical documentation.
For more information, refer to international, national, company, or industry-specific guidance
documents. For example:
- European Institute for Gender Equality. (2019). Toolkit on Gender-sensitive Communication.
- United Nations. (2019). Disability-inclusive communications guidelines.
  GR-8 Possessive form
  The possessive form (also known as the Saxon genitive) adds an apostrophe and "s" to form the
  possessive. For example, "refer to the manufacturer's instructions."
  STE is a controlled natural language that emphasizes clear writing and simplicity. While the
  possessive form is permitted in STE, make sure that you use it correctly. If you are not sure that
  your sentence is correct, do not use the possessive form.
  Other languages do not have this type of possessive form or have a different alternative for the
  possessive form. As a result, it is not always easy for non-native English readers to understand the
  possessive form in English.
  Always refer to technical publication specifications, style guides, or other official directives for
  information and rules.

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# Page 128 of 434

ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English
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