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ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English

| STE: | Install the new O-rings (15), the spacers (14), the nut (13), and the safety pin (12). |
| --- | --- |

(The articles in this instruction tell you that only the O-rings (15) are new.)
A definite article is incorrect before a noun when an alphanumeric identifier comes after it. This is
because the alphanumeric identifier shows that it is a proper noun.
Example:

| Incorrect: | Tag the circuit breaker 36L7. |
| --- | --- |
| CORRECT: | Tag circuit breaker 36L7. |

If you are not sure about how to use the articles correctly in your writing, refer to a
comprehensive grammar book, for example, “Practical English Usage” by Michael Swan.
This type of resource gives clear explanations on grammar topics, which include how and
when to use articles correctly in your text.

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# Page 86 of 434

ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English
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# Page 87 of 434

ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English

## Section 5 - Procedural writing

Summary of the rules
Sentences

## Rule 5.1 Write short sentences. Use a maximum of 20 words in each sentence.

Rule 5.2 Write only one instruction in each sentence unless two or more actions occur at the
same time.
Verbs in procedures

## Rule 5.3 Write instructions in the imperative (command) form.

Descriptive statements in instructions
Rule 5.4 When there is a condition that the reader must know about first, start the instruction
with a descriptive statement. Then, divide that descriptive statement from the
command with a comma.
Notes

## Rule 5.5 Write notes only to give information, not instructions.

Sentences

## Rule 5.1 Write short sentences. Use a maximum of 20 words in each sentence.

Procedures give instructions that tell you how to do a task. Long sentences in work steps are not
easy to understand.
In STE, the maximum length of a sentence for procedures is 20 words.
Warnings, cautions, and other safety instructions must also obey this rule.
Examples in STE:
Install the three auxiliary screws (2) in the flange of the motor assembly (9).
(This sentence has 14 words.)

| CAUTION: | WHEN YOU REMOVE THE SHROUD (26), BE CAREFUL NOT TO CAUSE |
| --- | --- |
|  | DAMAGE TO THE SURFACE OF THE FLANGE ASSEMBLY (22). |

(This sentence has 20 words.)

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ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English

| Non-STE: | Put preservation oil into the unit through the vent hole until the oil level is |
| --- | --- |
|  | approximately 6 mm (0.24 inches) below the surface of the flange cover. |
|  |  |
|  | (25 words) |
| STE: | Put preservation oil into the unit through the vent hole. (10 words) Continue until |
|  | the oil level is approximately 6 mm (0.24 in) below the surface of the flange cover. |
|  |  |
|  | (16 words) |

occur at the same time.

## Section 8 gives all the rules about word count.

Notes (rule 5.5) do not obey rule 5.1. Notes are important in procedures, but they contain
information only. Thus, the maximum length of a sentence in a note is 25 words.

## Rule 5.2 Write only one instruction in each sentence unless two or more actions

occur at the same time.
If there are too many instructions in a sentence, the sentence is not easy to read and understand.
Write only one instruction in each sentence and clearly show (usually with numbers or letters) the
sequence of the work steps. You can use as many work steps as you want in a procedure.
Examples:

| STE: | (1) Set the TEST switch to the middle position. |
| --- | --- |
|  | (2) Make sure that all the switches on the control panel are OFF. |

(Two work steps)

| Non-STE: | Put preservation oil into the unit through the vent hole until the oil level is |
| --- | --- |
|  | approximately 6 mm (0.24 inches) below the surface of the flange cover. |
|  |  |
|  | (25 words) |
| STE: | Put preservation oil into the unit through the vent hole. (10 words) Continue until |
|  | the oil level is approximately 6 mm (0.24 in) below the surface of the flange cover. |
|  |  |
|  | (16 words) |

Hold the panel in its open position and install the fastener.
Slowly extend the rod fully and make sure that it does not touch other parts.
Cut and remove the wire.
Remove and discard the seal.
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