<!-- GROUP: 004-rules-sec-1 -->
<!-- PAGES: 42-59 -->
<!-- SECTION: RULES -->
<!-- KEY: 1 -->
<!-- WORKERS: R011, R012, R013, R014, R015 -->
<!-- PAGE_COUNT: 18 -->

# Rules Sec 1

> **Source:** ASD-STE100 Issue 9, January 2025
> **Section:** RULES (1)
> **Pages:** 42-59 of 434 (18 pages)

# Page 42 of 434

### Which words can you use?

Simplified Technical English (STE) has a controlled dictionary (part 2) that gives the words most frequently used in technical writing. You can also use words that are not in the dictionary if you can include them in the specified categories of technical nouns and technical verbs.

A technical noun is a noun term that refers to a specified concept and is applicable to a subject field. A technical verb is a verb term that also refers to a specified concept or process and is applicable to a subject field.

#### Examples

The word “use” is an approved verb in the dictionary. The word “engine” is a technical noun. The word “ream” is a technical verb.

The dictionary also gives a selection of words that are not approved, with examples that show how to use alternative words.

In the context of ISO 1087:2019, “subject fields” refer to specific domains or areas of knowledge that have specialized vocabularies.

Technical nouns and technical verbs are usually included in your company glossary or terminology database. Always refer to these sources, and to the specified rules in this section, for the correct selection of words.

### Part of speech

### Rule 1.2 Use approved words from the dictionary only as the specified part of speech.

In the dictionary, each approved word has a specified part of speech. When you use an approved word, make sure that you use it only as the specified part of speech.

#### Examples

“Test” is an approved noun, but not an approved verb.

> **STE:** <mark>STE: Test B is an alternative to test A.</mark>

# Page 43 of 434

> **Non-STE:** _Test the system for leaks._
> **STE:** Do the leak test of the system.
> _or_
> **STE:** Do a test for leaks in the system.

“Dim” is an approved adjective, but not an approved verb.

> **STE:** <mark>STE: A dim light comes on.</mark>
> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: Dim the lights.</mark>_
> **STE:** <mark>STE: Set the lights to the dim position.</mark>

Some words are approved as more than one part of speech. For example, “clean” is an approved verb and an approved adjective. The position of the word in the sentence shows its function (and its meaning) because verbs and adjectives have different positions.

> **STE:** <mark>STE: Clean the inner surface of the container.</mark> (“Clean” is a verb here.)
> **STE:** <mark>STE: Make sure that the area is clean.</mark> (“Clean” is an adjective here.)

“Acceptable” is an adjective that is not approved. The dictionary gives three approved alternatives that have the same part of speech. You can use one of these alternatives to replace the word “acceptable” in the sentence with a word-for-word replacement.

> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: A value of 2 mm is acceptable.</mark>_
> **STE:** <mark>STE: A value of 2 mm is permitted.</mark>

“Operable” is an adjective that is not approved. The dictionary gives an approved alternative that has a different part of speech: “operate” as a verb. Thus, you must use a different sentence construction.

> **Non-STE:** _Make sure that the valve isoperable._
> **STE:** Make sure that the valve canoperate.

When you replace a word, always make sure that the approved alternative you select does not change the meaning of the sentence. If the meaning changes, select a different word or use a different sentence construction.

<mark>Each word in the dictionary has its part of speech in parentheses, abbreviated as specified in</mark> the introduction to the dictionary.

If a word that you want to use is not in the dictionary:

- Find that word in an English dictionary.
- Find which is the best synonym that is approved in the STE dictionary.
- Use the approved STE word or find a different sentence construction with other approved words.

# Page 44 of 434

### Approved meaning

### Rule 1.3 Use approved words only with their approved meanings.

Each approved word in the dictionary has a specified approved meaning. Some of these words can have more restricted meanings compared with their meanings in standard English. Always use the approved words only with their approved meanings.

#### Examples

The approved meaning of the verb “follow” is “come after, go after.”

> **STE:** <mark>STE: Do the procedures that follow:</mark>

> **STE:** <mark>STE: Follow the green lights to the nearest staircase.</mark>

You cannot use the verb “follow” with other meanings that are not approved.

> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: Follow the safety instructions.</mark>_

In this sentence, always use “obey” with the approved meaning “to do that which the procedures or instructions tell you.”

> **STE:** <mark>STE: Obey the safety instructions.</mark>

### Forms of verbs and adjectives

### Rule 1.4 Use only the approved forms of verbs and adjectives.

The dictionary gives each approved verb together with its approved forms. The dictionary also gives the approved adjectives in their base form, together with their comparative and superlative forms in parentheses where applicable.

#### Example - Verbs:

**<mark>REMOVE (v), REMOVES, REMOVED, REMOVED</mark>**

This word tells you that you can use the approved verb “remove” as follows:

| Infinitive/Imperative forms | Simple present tense | Simple past tense | Past participle form (as an adjective) |
|---|---|---|---|
|  | (To)Remove/Remove | Remove(s) | Removed | Removed |

The past participle form of the verb is usually the same as the simple past tense. Thus, the dictionary gives it two times.

# Page 45 of 434

## Part 1 - Writing rules

#### Example - Adjectives:

#### <mark>SLOW (adj) (SLOWER, SLOWEST)</mark>

This word tells you that you can use the approved adjective "slow" as follows:

| Base form | Comparative form | Superlative form |
|-----------|------------------|------------------|
| Slow | Slower | Slowest |

Adjectives that make their comparative and superlative forms with "more" and "most" do not have these forms in the dictionary. This is because "more" and "most" are approved words.

### Technical nouns

### Rule 1.5 You can use words that you can include in a technical noun category.

A technical noun is a noun term that refers to a specified concept and is applicable to a subject field.

The dictionary does not include technical nouns because there are too many, and each subject field uses different technical nouns for their texts.

You can find many of these technical nouns in your company glossary or terminology database. STE gives you a list of categories, with examples, to help you:

- Select technical nouns to put in your company glossary or terminology database.
- Use technical nouns correctly.

You can use technical nouns in procedural and descriptive writing if you can include them in one or more of these twenty-two categories.

#### 1. Official parts information

- Terms that refer to all design items. For example, technical nouns included in illustrated parts catalogs or engineering drawings.
- <mark>bolt, cable, clip, conductor, contact, engine, ferry tank, filter, hatch, hazard lights, indicator, light, logo, oil seal, prelubricated seal, pipe, propeller, retractor link, screw, switch, transceiver</mark>

#### 2. Vehicles or machines, and locations on them

- Terms that refer to all types of vehicles and machines, and the locations that are part of these units.
- <mark>aircraft, aircraft carrier, airframe, airplane, bicycle, cabin, car, cargo compartment, cargo hold, cockpit, deck, engine room, fuselage, helicopter, galley, lifeboat, overhead panel, ship, submarine, tank, train, truck, wing, wing root</mark>

**Part 1 - Writing rules**

# Page 46 of 434

#### 3. Tools and support equipment, their parts, and locations on them

- Terms that refer to all types of tools, support equipment, their parts, and locations that are part of these items.
- <mark>access ladder, blade, brush, cap, chock, clamp, cover, display, drill, file, gauge (gage), graduated beaker, handle, jack, label, rigging pin, roller, rope, rung, shaft, stand, tag, test rig, torque wrench, trestle</mark>

#### 4. Materials, consumables, and unwanted material

- Terms that refer to materials, consumable items, and other substances that can cause contamination or malfunctions.
- <mark>acid, adhesive, aluminum alloy, ammunition, compound, copper, debris, detergent, dirt, disinfectant, dust, foam, foreign object, fuel, grease, hazardous substances, hazardous waste, metal, metallic coating, oil, paint, penetrant spray, plastic, primer, sealant, sealing, soap, stainless steel, tape, waste, water, wire</mark>

#### 5. Facilities, infrastructure, and logistic procedures

Terms that refer to the management, structure, and operations of physical facilities, infrastructure systems, and logistic procedures. For example, areas for utility systems, transportation networks, storage, distribution processes, and operational logistic workflows. <mark>airport, apron, base, building, camp, dock, engine shop floor, flight simulator, gate, handling, hangar, packaging, packing, port, service bay, shipping, shop, store, storage, transport</mark>

#### 6. Systems, components and circuits, their functions, configurations, and parts

Terms that refer to the structure, operation, composition, and system design.
- <mark>air conditioning, amplifying circuit, armament, audio, aural warning system, collapsed position, exhaust, flight management, hardware, inhibiting signal, injection, inlet, input frequency, latch, pedal, power unit, pump, reverse mode, reverse position, standby mode, upright position, vent</mark>

#### 7. Mathematical, scientific, engineering terms, and formulas

Terms that refer to concepts, design, calculations, or methodologies.
- <mark>acceleration, allowance, astronomy, atom, average, biochemistry, biology, biome, burr, capacitance, carbon, category, cavitation, center, circle, coefficient, combination, configuration, conversion, count, critical temperature, curve, cycle, defect, degree, deceleration, density, diameter, displacement, duty cycle, elapsed time, electricity, energy, exponent, failure, ferry flight, flutter, force, fumes, genetics, geology. geophysics, graph, gravity, hardness, heat treatment, idle speed, ignition, inhibition, instrumentation, interference, issue, light, line replaceable unit, load, loss, measurement, modification, momentum, motoring, overhaul, oversized hole, oxygen, performance, phase, polarity, power, pressure, process, radius, rating, ratio, reduction, relative angular position, resistance, scan, shutdown, signal, specific gravity, stall, standard, steam, stiffness, strength, suction, temperature, tension, thread, tightness, torque, toxic property, vapor, voltage, water vapor, "C = (A - B) - 0.063 mm"</mark>

#### 8. Navigation and geographic terms

- Terms that refer to positions, directions, or locations related to mapping, routing, or spatial orientation.
- <mark>air, altitude, attitude, axis, bank, clearance, climb, coordinates, critical approach, datum, delay, deviation, drag, east, France, glideslope, gradient, heading, landing, leeway, Lima, north, pitch, roll, skid, south, west</mark>

# Page 47 of 434

**Part 1 - Writing rules**

#### 9. Numbers, units of measurement and time (and their symbols)

Terms that refer to quantitative data, measurements, or time-related information.
- <mark>92, 303, ampere (A), degree (), first (1</mark><sup>st</sup> <mark>), half (½), hour (h), kilogram (kg), knot, liter (L or l), meter (m), mile, minute ('), month, ohm (), one, one-quarter (¼), second (), second (s), second (2</mark><sup>nd</sup> <mark>), square inch (sq.in.), spring, third (3</mark><sup>rd</sup> <mark>), three, year, winter, zero</mark>

#### 10. Quoted text

- Terms that refer to texts that you cannot change in technical writing. For example, texts on placards, labels, signs, markings, and display units.
- <mark>abort button, EXIT sign, INOP system, OXYGEN pushbutton switch, ON position, NEXT button, FAULT legend, NO STEP marking, FASTEN SAFETY BELT sign, WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING sign</mark>

#### 11. Professional roles, individuals, groups, organizations, and geopolitical entities

Terms that refer to professional functions, names of persons, organizations, companies, teams, sovereign states, or entities related to processes, responsibilities, or decision-making. <mark>air traffic control, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), captain, commander, copilot, crew, crew chief, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), John Kirkman, manufacturer, operator, Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), United States of America (USA)</mark>

#### 12. Parts of the body

- Terms that refer to anatomical features or functions related to medical, biological, or ergonomic contexts.
- <mark>blood, digestive system, ear, eyes, hair, hand, head, lung, mouth, respiratory tract, skin, stomach</mark>

#### 13. Common personal effects, food, and beverages

Terms that refer to everyday personal items and types of food and beverage. <mark>beans, bread, cigarette lighter, clothing, coffee, flour, footwear, high-heeled shoes, jewelry, lipstick, matches, milk, mineral water, nail scissors, perfume, pizza, shampoo, wine</mark>

#### 14. Medical terms

Terms that refer to medical conditions, procedures, or anatomical structures. <mark>allergy, aspirin, asthma, blood poisoning, breathing, circulation, dermatitis, diabetes, dizziness, female, hallucination, headache, heart rate, irritation, male, medication, nausea, pneumonia, pregnancy, pulse, skin irritation, virus</mark>

#### 15. Official documents, parts of documentation, standards, and guidelines

- Terms that refer to different types of official documents and their structural parts. For example, manuals, technical records, standards, specifications, and regulations requirements.
- <mark>Acceptance Test, Activation/Deactivation, Allowable Damage, attention, caution, chapter, Checklist, Class, Cleaning, Compass Correction Card, danger, data module, Description and Operation, diagram, engine logbook, Federal Aviation Regulations, Fault Isolation, figure, flowchart, font, Functional Test, Ice and Rain Protection, Inspection/Check, issue, language policy, letter, maintenance planning, maintenance practice, maintenance records, Normal Braking, note, notice, packaging, page, paragraph, parentheses, post-flight report, post-mod, pre-mod, prerequisite, preservation, reference, Removal/Installation, Required Conditions, Repair Scheme, recommendation, revision, section, Service Bulletin, Standard Practices Manual, storage, Structural Repair Manual, table, test procedure, training material, Transportation, valid welding certificate, warning</mark>

**Part 1 - Writing rules**

# Page 48 of 434

#### 16. Environmental and operational conditions

- Terms that refer to external factors and operating parameters that are related to systems or processes.
- <mark>atmosphere, cloud, day, daylight, ice, hail, humidity, lightning, moisture, night, rain, relative humidity, sand, snow, storm, turbulence, volcanic ash, wind</mark>

#### 17. Colors

- Terms that refer to colors that identify color-related properties, or show color attributes in different contexts.
- <mark>beige, black, cyan blue, dark brown, gray, green, magenta, light green, orange, red, white, yellow</mark>

Colors are adjectives, but STE identifies them as technical nouns. Comparative and superlative forms of colors (for example, blacker, the reddest) are not permitted in STE.

#### 18. Damage terms

Terms that refer to types of defects or degradation and give information about malfunctions. <mark>buckle, chafing, corrosion, crack, crack propagation, deformation, dent, discoloration, distortion, erosion, fracture, fraying, galling, kink, nick, score, scratch, stain, spurious fault message</mark>

#### 19. Computer science, information and communication technology

- Terms that refer to technological concepts, systems, or components in this subject field.
- <mark>add-in, add-on, AI, arrow, artificial intelligence, authentication, backup, backup file, bookmark, chatbot, content, cursor, cybersecurity, database, deep learning, dialog check box, digitalization, digitization, e-mail, embedding, field, file, firewall, hallucination, HTML, icon, interface, internet, laptop, large language model, local operation, machine learning, memory, menu, metadata, mouse, network, operating system, phone, plug-in, pre-loaded software, preset value, prompt engineering, remote operation, screen, search engine, smartphone, status bar, store, tablet, token, toolbar, touchscreen, tweet, tuning, update, voice mail, XML</mark>

#### 20. Civil and military operations

- Terms that refer to concepts and activities, service delivery, product management, and customer and life-cycle support in civil and military operations.
- <mark>armed forces, assault, bomb, bullet, checkpoint, combat plan, contractor, customer, customer support, customer service, deployment, echelon, ejection seat, end item, end user, evacuation, formation, ground zero, gun, Integrated Product Support (IPS), know-how, lifecycle, machine gun, maintenance concept, mission, obsolescence, operator, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), patrol</mark>

#### 21. Law and regulations

- Terms that refer to legal and regulatory texts. For example, contracts, warranty texts, certificates, standards and specifications, and legal papers.
- <mark>action, ambiguity, appeal, arbitration, bankruptcy, communication, competence, compliance, concession, contract, court, damages, explanation, explanatory text, impeachment, jury, law, judgement, jurisdiction, purpose, recommendation, scope, serious incident, serious offense, signature, statute, term, trade, waiver, wording</mark>

#### 22. Animals, plants, and other life forms

Terms that refer to biological entities in technical and environmental contexts. <mark>bacteria, bird, cassowary, cat, conifer, cow, dog, emu, fern, ferret, fungi, horse, insect, leopard, monkey, moss, mouse, pocket gopher, rose, termite, wombat</mark>

# Page 49 of 434

## Part 1 - Writing rules

The technical nouns in their related categories are only examples. Rule 1.5 does not give a full list of all possible technical nouns. The listed words in each category have uppercase letters only when it is necessary. For example, official identifications, titles, and abbreviations.

### Rule 1.6 Use a word that is not approved in the dictionary, only when it is a technical noun or part of a technical noun.

The dictionary includes some words that you cannot use because they are not approved. But if you can put these words in an applicable category of technical nouns, you can use them as technical nouns in some contexts.

#### Examples:

The word “base” is not approved in the dictionary and its alternative is “bottom (n).”

> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: Make sure that the two spigots at the base of the unit engage.</mark>_ ("Base" is not permitted when it is related to a surface.)
> **STE:** <mark>STE: Make sure that the two spigots at the bottom of the unit engage.</mark>

But you can use “base” as a technical noun.

> **STE:** <mark>STE: The base of the triangle is 5 cm.</mark> ("Base" is a technical noun, category 7, mathematical, scientific, engineering terms, and formulas.)

The same word “base” can go into different categories of technical nouns. This condition occurs when you use the word “base” with different meanings in different contexts.

#### Example:

> **STE:** <mark>STE: Access to the base is permitted between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.</mark> ("Base" is a technical noun, category 5, facilities, infrastructure, and logistic procedures.)

“Backup” is not approved in the dictionary and its alternatives are “emergency (n)” and “auxiliary (adj).” But you can use “backup” as a technical noun.

#### Example:

> **STE:** <mark>STE: Do the backup of the computer at regular intervals.</mark>

(“Backup” is a technical noun, category 19, computer science, information and communication technology.)

# Page 50 of 434

“Backup” is a one-word technical noun. But you can also write “backup file,” a two-word technical noun.

#### Examples:

> **STE:** Keep the backup file in a safe area. (“Backup file” is a technical noun, category 19, computer science, information and communication technology.)
> **Non-STE:** _For this procedure, make sure that one person is available as backup._ (“Backup” is not permitted and you cannot use it in this context.)
> **STE:** Two persons are necessary to do this procedure. (Different sentence construction)

“Main” is a word that is not approved, and its alternative is “primary (adj).”

#### Examples:

> **Non-STE:** _The laptop has these main parts:_ (“Main part” is not a technical noun, and it is correct to replace “main” with “primary.”)
> **STE:** The laptop has these primary parts:

But you can use “main” as part of a technical noun.

> **STE:** <mark>STE: Retract the main landing gear.</mark> ("Main landing gear" is a technical noun. It is incorrect to replace "main" with "primary" here, because "primary landing gear" is not the technical noun that is approved in your company, industry, or subject field.)

If a word is not in the dictionary, you can use it if it is part of a technical noun. In the example that follows, “angular” and “position” are approved but “relative” is not in the dictionary.

#### Example:

> **STE:** This procedure gives instructions to identify the relative angular positions of the power-turbine rotor disks. (You can use “relative” as part of a technical noun, category 7, mathematical, scientific, engineering terms, and formulas.)

# Page 51 of 434

### Rule 1.7 Do not use words that are technical nouns as verbs.

Use a technical noun only as a noun or as an adjective that is part of a different technical noun. Do not use the same word as a verb.

#### Examples:

“Oil” is a technical noun, category 4, materials, consumables, and unwanted material. Do not use “oil” as a verb. Use a different sentence construction that lets you use “oil” as a technical noun.

> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: Oil the steel surfaces.</mark>_
> **STE:** <mark>STE: Apply oil to the steel surfaces.</mark>

“Snow” is a technical noun, category 16, environmental and operational conditions. Do not use “snow” as a verb. Use a different sentence construction that lets you use “snow” as a technical noun.

> **Non-STE:** _Non-STE: If you think it will snow, make sure that the vehicle is in the applicable configuration._
> **STE:** <mark>STE: If you think that snow will fall, make sure that the vehicle is in the applicable</mark> configuration.

#### <u>Words that can be technical nouns and technical verbs</u>

In some contexts, the same word can be a technical noun and a technical verb. This condition occurs when you can put this word in a technical noun category (rule 1.5) and in a technical verb category (rule 1.12).

#### Examples in STE:

> **STE:** <mark>If the surface is hard, use a carbide drill.</mark>

(“Drill” is a technical noun, rule 1.5, category 3, tools and support equipment, their parts, and location on them.)

> **STE:** <mark>Drill a hole at the intersection of the two lines.</mark>

(“Drill” is a technical verb, rule 1.12, category 1 a), manufacturing processes, remove material.)

### Rule 1.8 Use technical nouns that are approved in your company, industry, or subject field.

If your company, industry, or subject field, has an approved technical noun for a system, component, part, or process, use that technical noun. Usually, such technical nouns are included in official parts information and in company documentation.

#### Example:

> **STE:** <mark>STE: The front panel of the phone has a touchscreen and a home button.</mark>

(“Touchscreen” and “home button” are technical nouns that are approved in your company, industry, or subject field.)

# Page 52 of 434

### Rule 1.9 When you must select a technical noun, use one which is short and easy to understand.

When there is no technical noun that is approved in your company, industry, or subject field, select one that is short (not more than three words) and easy to understand.

#### Example:

> **Non-STE:** _Remove the four stainless steel pan head machine screws (10) that attach the metallic machined flange (15) to the front housing cover (20)._
> **STE:** Remove the four screws (10) that attach the flange (15) to the cover (20).

In this example, it is sufficient to use the words “screws,” “flange,” and “cover.” This is because these parts have index numbers, and the related illustration clearly identifies them. Differently, add one or two adjectives to the noun to help your reader understand.

### Rule 1.10 Do not use regional, slang, or jargon words as technical nouns.

There can be technical words that only persons in confined regions or geographical areas use. These words are not easy to understand for persons who are from a different region or area.

When you select technical nouns, always use well-known words.

This rule is also applicable to technical slang or jargon words. If only a small number of persons understand a word, it will cause confusion and non-effective communication.

#### Examples:

> **Non-STE:** During logging operations, attach achokerto the heavy machinery to hold the logs in their position. (A “choker” is a type of cable used in logging operations to attach logs during transportation. It is a term used in some regions of North America and Canada, Northern Europe, and New Zealand. Its meaning is not immediately clear to the reader.)
> **STE:** During logging operations, attach acableto the heavy machinery to hold the logs in their position.
> **Non-STE:** After the firmware update, do notbrickthe router. (“Brick” is technical slang in information technology, with the meaning of “to make a device non-operational.” Its meaning is not immediately clear to the reader.)
> **STE:** After the firmware update, do notset the router to OFF.
> **Non-STE:** _Remove yourgearfrom the work area._ (“Gear” is technical jargon that refers to tools and equipment, and its meaning is not immediately clear to the reader.)
> **STE:** Remove yourtools and equipmentfrom the work area.

# Page 53 of 434

## Part 1 - Writing rules

### Rule 1.11 Do not use different technical nouns for the same item.

When you select a technical noun, do not use a different technical noun in other parts of your text to refer to the same item.

#### Example:

| Non-STE | STE |
|---|---|
| 1. Make sure that the servo control unitis in the open position. | 1. Make sure that theactuatoris in the open position. |
| 2. Do the operational test of theactuator. | 2. Do the operational test of theactor. |
| 3. Disconnect thecontrol unitfrom the test rig. | 3. Disconnect theactuatorfrom the test rig. |

In the non-STE example, "servo control unit," "actuator," and "control unit" refer to the same item. Use the technical noun that is approved in your company, industry, or subject field. If, as in the example, the technical noun is "actuator," then always use this technical noun in your text.

## Technical verbs

### Rule 1.12 You can use verbs that you can include in a technical verb category.

A technical verb is a verb term that refers to a specified concept or process and is applicable to a subject field.

The dictionary does not include technical verbs because there are too many, and each subject field uses different technical verbs for their texts.

You can find many of these technical verbs in your company glossary or terminology database. STE gives you a list of categories, with examples, to help you:

- Select technical verbs to put in your company glossary or terminology database.
- Use technical verbs correctly.

Technical verbs must obey the same rules as other approved verbs in STE. Refer to section 3.

You can use technical verbs in procedural and descriptive texts if you can include them in one or more of these four categories.

#### 1. Manufacturing processes

Terms that give instructions and information to:

- **Remove material:**
  <mark>drill, grind, mill, ream, unsolder</mark>
- **Add material:**
  <mark>flame, insulate, remetal, retread</mark>
- **Attach material:**
  <mark>braze, crimp, solder, weld</mark>

# Page 54 of 434

- **Change the mechanical strength, the structure, or the physical properties of a material:**
  <mark>anneal, cure, decay, freeze, heat-treat, magnetize, normalize, vaporize</mark>
- **Change the surface finish of a material:**
  <mark>buff, burnish, dress, passivate, plate, polish</mark>
- **Change the shape of a material:**
  <mark>blend, cast, extrude, spin, stamp</mark>

#### 2. Computer processes and applications

Terms that give instructions and information for:

- **Input and output processes:**
  <mark>click, digitize, enter, press, print, swipe, tap, type</mark>
- **User interface and application processes:**
  <mark>clear, close, copy, cut, delete, deselect, disable, drag, drag and drop, enable, encrypt, erase, filter, highlight, invalidate, maximize, minimize, navigate, open, paste, save, scroll, sort, store, tweet, validate, zoom in, zoom out</mark>
- **System operations:**
  <mark>abort, boot, communicate, debug, download, format, install, load, manage, process, reboot, update, upgrade, upload</mark>

#### 3. Instructions and information for applicable subject fields

Terms that give instructions and information in these contexts:

- **Engineering, mathematical, and scientific**
  <mark>bisect, compensate for, convert, detect, float, modulate, radiate, transform, sink</mark>
- **Medical**
  <mark>disinfect, intubate, operate, prescribe, sanitize, sterilize</mark>
- **Civil and military operations**
  - <mark>aim, arm, detect, disable, dry-motor, enable, explode, fire, inhibit, intercept, lase, load, lock on, unlatch, unload, wet-motor, parachute</mark>
- **Navigation** <mark>approach, descend, deviate, fly, hover, land, maintain, navigate, retrim, take off, trim, respond, taxi</mark>
- **Automotive and railway**
  <mark>accelerate, brake, couple, crank, crash, decouple, dispatch, drift, inflate, park, qualify, steer</mark>
- **Energy, oil, and gas** <mark>compress, distill, drill, emit, extract, inject, pump</mark>

#### 4. Law and regulations

Terms that give instructions and information only for legal and regulatory texts. For example, contracts, warranty texts, certificates, standards and specifications, and legal papers.

<mark>acknowledge, comply with, communicate, conform to, describe, enforce, explain, meet (a requirement), inform, modify, notify, omit, regulate, sign, supersede, understand, waive (for inspection and requirements)</mark>

# Page 55 of 434

The technical verbs in their related categories are only examples. Rule 1.12 does not give a full list of all possible technical verbs.

If there is an approved verb in the dictionary that accurately gives the instruction or the information, use the approved verb. Do not use a technical verb if it is possible to write the same sentence with the words (verbs and other related words) that are approved in the dictionary.

#### Examples:

> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: If you detect broken wires, repair them.</mark>_ ("Detect" is not approved and cannot be a technical verb in this context.)
> **STE:** <mark>STE: If you find broken wires, repair them.</mark>

But you can write:

> **STE:** <mark>STE: The security scanner detects metal objects.</mark> ("Detect" is the correct technical verb in this context.)

If you must use technical verbs, use only technical verbs that are correct in your context. Do not use technical verbs that are general or not clear.

#### Example:

> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: Machine the hole until it has a diameter of 8.00 +/- 0.003 mm.</mark>_
> **STE:** <mark>STE: Ream the hole until it has a diameter of 8.00 +/- 0.003 mm.</mark>

Do not use a technical verb if it is not necessary. If it is possible, use a verb that is approved in the dictionary and an applicable technical noun.

#### Examples:

"Clamp" is a technical noun, category 1, official parts information. Do not use "clamp" as a technical verb.

> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: Clamp the cable in position.</mark>_
> **STE:** <mark>STE:</mark> Put clamps on the cable to hold it in position.

"Grease" is a technical noun, category 4, materials, consumables, and unwanted material. Do not use "grease" as a technical verb.

> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: Grease the fasteners.</mark>_
> **STE:** <mark>STE: Apply grease to the fasteners.</mark>

"Wire" is a technical noun, category 1, official parts information. Do not use "wire" as a technical verb.

> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: Wire the cable to the structure.</mark>_
> **STE:** <mark>STE: Attach the cable to the structure with wire.</mark>

# Page 56 of 434

#### <u>Words that are not approved but that can be technical verbs</u>

The dictionary includes some words that, although not approved, can be technical verbs if you can put them in the specified categories.

#### Examples:

> **STE:** <mark>STE: Enter your password.</mark> ("Enter" is a technical verb, category 2 a), computer processes and applications, input and output processes.)
> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: Do not enter the engine test area without approval.</mark>_
> **STE:** <mark>("Enter" is not permitted when it is in a different context.) STE: Do not go into the engine test area without approval.</mark>
> **STE:** STE: If the tower does not respond, use a different channel.</mark> ("Respond" is a technical verb, category 3 d), instructions and information for applicable subject fields, navigation.)
> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: If the instrument fails to respond, do a test.</mark>_
> **STE:** <mark>("Respond" is not permitted when it is in a different context.) STE: If the instrument does not operate correctly, do a test.</mark>

### Rule 1.13 Do not use technical verbs as nouns.

In English, words that look the same do not always have the same function in a sentence. Use technical verbs only as verbs, not as nouns.

#### Example:

> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: Give the hole 0.20-inch ream.</mark>_
> **STE:** <mark>STE: Ream the hole to a 0.20-inch dimension.</mark>

<mark>But you can use the past participle form of technical verbs as adjectives.</mark>

#### Example:

> **STE:** <mark>STE: Lubricate the reamed hole.</mark> (The adjective "reamed" is the past participle form of the technical verb "ream." "Reamed hole" is a technical noun.)

#### <u>Words that can be technical verbs and technical nouns</u>

In some contexts, the same word can be a technical verb and a technical noun. This condition occurs when you can put this word in a technical verb category (rule 1.12) and in a technical noun category (rule 1.5).

#### Examples:

> **STE:** <mark>STE: Make sure that the plate is not damaged. ("Plate" is a technical noun, category 1, official parts information).</mark>

# Page 57 of 434

> <mark>STE: There are two methods to plate the ring nut (2).</mark> ("Plate" is a technical verb, category 1 c), manufacturing processes, attach material.)

## Spelling

### Rule 1.14 Use American English spelling unless other official directives tell you differently.

Use the spelling specified in the STE dictionary (American English spelling).

Use a different spelling only if other technical publication specifications, style guides, contracts, or other official directives are applicable.

#### Examples

> **Non-STE:** The door is made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic. ("Fibre" is British English spelling.)
>
> **STE:** The door is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic. ("Fiber" is American English spelling.)
>
> **Non-STE:** Change the colour of the display. ("Colour" is British English spelling.)
>
> **STE:** Change the color of the display. ("Color" is American English spelling.)

If there is quoted text that has British English spelling, for example on a computer screen, do not change the spelling. Keep the quoted text as it is. Refer to Rule 8.6 which tells you how to use quoted texts correctly.

# Page 58 of 434

Blank Page

# Page 59 of 434

## Section 2 – Multi-word nouns

### Summary of the rules

#### Multi-word nouns

| Rule | Description |
|------|-------------|
| Rule 2.1 | Write multi-word nouns of no more than three words. |
| Rule 2.2 | When a technical noun has more than three words, write it in full. Then, you can use one of these methods to make the technical noun clear: - Give a shorter form of the technical noun. - Use hyphens (-) between words that you use as one unit. |

### Multi-word nouns

### Rule 2.1 Write multi-word nouns of no more than three words.

In English, you can use one or more words to describe or modify a noun.

Technical texts can contain long groups of words that have the function of one part of speech in a sentence. Usually, these groups of words are made of nouns and/or adjectives and are the subject or the object in a sentence. Such groups of words are known as multi-word nouns.

#### General examples

| Example | Note |
|---------|------|
| Horizontal cylinder pivot bearing | (a multi-word noun of 4 words) |
| Stainless steel corrosion protection strips | (a multi-word noun of 5 words) |
| Actuator operating rod | (a multi-word noun of 3 words) |

Long multi-word nouns are not easy to understand because the words in the multi-word noun can connect to each other differently. The main noun, or head noun of the group, is usually the last word of the multi-word noun. When the connections between words are not clear, ambiguity occurs. As a result, short multi-word nouns are easier to understand.

<mark>Runway light connection</mark>

(This example shows a short multi-word noun (3 words). The main noun is "connection.")

<mark>Runway light connection resistance calibration</mark> (This example shows a long multi-word noun (5 words). The main noun is "calibration.")

The long multi-word noun in the example does not tell the reader the relation between "runway" and "calibration." The reader must understand four modifiers before the main noun "calibration." The reader must understand four modifiers before the main noun 'calibration.'

Long multi-word nouns can cause problems for non-native English readers because, in some languages, the main noun comes first in the multi-word noun. When a multi-word noun has more words, it is less clear.

To help your reader, keep multi-word nouns to a maximum of three words.
