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ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English
Subject Rule
Preposition (part of speech) Part 2, Introduction
Procedural writing (procedures) 5#
Pronouns (how to use them) 9 – GR-3
Pronouns (part of speech) Part 2, Introduction
Proper nouns 8.6
Punctuation 8.1 thru 8.3
Quoted text 1.5, 8.6
Reference documents General introduction
Regional words 1.10
Regular verbs 3.1, Part 2, Introduction
Safety instructions 7#
Semicolons 8.1
Sentences 4#, 5#, 6#
Simple future tense 3.3
Simple past tense 3.3
Simple present tense 3.3
Slang words 1.10
Spelling 1.14
Subject fields 1.1, 1.5, 1.12
Superlative forms of adjectives 1.4
Technical nouns 1.1, 1.5 thru 1.13, 2.2
Technical verbs 1.1, 1.12, 1.13
Technical translation General introduction
Terminology database 1#
Text formatting General introduction
That (how to use) 9 – GR-1
This (how to use) 9 – GR-4
Titles 8.6
Topic (subject of paragraph) 6.5
Topics, one for each paragraph 6#
Topics, one for each sentence 4.1
Training (in STE) General introduction
Units of measurement General introduction, 1.5, 8.6
Verb forms 1.4, 3.2, Part 2, Introduction
Verb terms 1.1
Verbs 3#, Part 2, Introduction

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ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English
Subject Rule
Vertical lists 4.3, 8.4
Warnings 7#
With (how to use) 9 – GR-2
Word count 8.4 thru 8.7
Word-for-word replacement 1.2, 9.1
Words 1#, all sections
Words (that are not approved) 1.1, 1.2, 1.6, 9#
Writing practices 9#
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ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English
General introduction
What is ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical
English?
ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English (STE) is a
controlled natural language and an international standard to
write technical documentation.
STE has two parts: a set of writing rules (part 1) and a
controlled dictionary (part 2). The writing rules are about
grammar and style. The dictionary gives the approved words
that a writer can use.
When and why was STE developed?
English is the international language of science, technology,
and human relations. It is also the language of the
aerospace and defense industry. However, it is not often the
native language of the readers of technical documentation.
Many readers have a limited knowledge of English. The large number of meanings and synonyms
that many English words have, and a complex sentence structure, can cause confusion.
In aerospace, it is important to correctly understand maintenance and operation documentation to
make sure that systems operate safely and correctly and to protect human lives.
In the late 1970s, the Association of European Airlines (AEA) asked the European Association of
Aerospace Industries (AECMA, now ASD www.asd-europe.org) to investigate the readability of
maintenance documentation in the civil aviation industry and find a solution to simplify the
language used to write such documentation.
AECMA asked the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) of America to help with this project and
two project groups from AECMA and AIA were formed. These two groups explored the existing
controlled natural languages and researched texts in many maintenance manuals. The results
confirmed that a simplified language for aerospace was necessary.
On June 30, 1983, in Amsterdam, the AECMA Simplified English Working Group was founded and
the AECMA Simplified English project started.
The product of this effort was the AECMA Simplified English Guide (first released in 1986) which,
in 2005, became ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English.
In 1987, the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) included the requirement to write in STE in
its ATA100 specification for technical publications. Thus, the current name ASD-STE100 was
assigned as a tribute to the name of the ATA100 specification.
Today, the success of STE is such that other industries use it beyond its original intended purpose
of aerospace maintenance documentation. Interest in STE has also increased dramatically in the
areas of language services, professional translation and interpreting, and in the academic world.

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ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English
What is the purpose of STE?
The purpose of STE is to tell technical writers how to write technical texts in a clear, simple, and
unambiguous manner that readers throughout the world will find easy to understand. STE is not a
treatise on the English language or technical writing. Thus, linguistic and grammar aspects are not
fully included in this document because they are explained in other language reference books and
guidelines.
Which words are available to the writer?
STE has a controlled dictionary that gives the words that are most frequently used in technical
writing.
The approved words were selected because they were simple and easy to recognize. In general,
each word has only one meaning and is approved with only one part of speech. For example, "to
fall" has the approved meaning of "to move down by the force of gravity," and not "to decrease."
When there are synonyms in English, STE selects one synonym and does not include the others.
For example, STE uses "start" instead of "begin," "commence," "initiate," or "originate."
STE approved meanings and spelling are based on American English and the Merriam-Webster's
dictionary.
Writers can use the approved words in the dictionary as a core vocabulary. Writers can also use
noun terms and verb terms that are applicable to their companies, industries, or subject fields. STE
identifies these terms as "technical nouns" and "technical verbs" and gives the necessary rules to
use these terms correctly.
Does STE give rules for abbreviations?
No. Industries, companies, and projects can use different abbreviations. Thus, rules for
abbreviations are not necessary in STE.
Does STE regulate text formatting?
No. STE regulates the way to express the content. It does not regulate formatting, for example,
typeface, numbering, and lettering. Usually, these requirements are included in the applicable
specifications for technical publications, style guides, and other official directives.
Does STE regulate units of measurement?
No. There are different methods to show units of measurement in a technical text. Projects and
companies must decide which one to use. Usually, these requirements are included in the
applicable specifications for technical publications, style guides, and other official directives.
Can STE be used alone?
No. It is intended to be used with other applicable specifications for technical publications, style
guides, and official directives. A high standard of professionalism is necessary to use STE
correctly.
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