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# Toc And Nav

> **Source:** ASD-STE100 Issue 9, January 2025
> **Section:** NAV
> **Pages:** 28-40 of 434 (13 pages)

# Page 28 of 434

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# Page 29 of 434

**Page TOC-2**

## Subject-to-rule index

This index helps you find the applicable STE rules related to different subjects.

The symbol # after the section number (for example, 7#) shows that the subject is applicable to all or most of the rules in that section.

| <u>Subject</u> | <u>Rule</u> |
|---|---|
| Abbreviations | General introduction, 1,5, 2.2, 8.3, 8.5, 8.6 |
| Acronyms | 8.6 |
| Action | 3.7 |
| Active voice | 3.6 |
| Adjectives (how to use them) | 1.4, 1.7, 1.13, 2#, 3.2, 3.3 |
| Adjectives (part of speech) | Part 2, Introduction |
| Adverb (part of speech) | Part 2, Introduction |
| American English spelling | General introduction, 1.14 |
| Approved meaning | 1.3, 9.2 |
| Approved words | 1.1, 1.2, 9.2 |
| Articles (how to use them) | 4.5 |
| Articles (part of speech) | Part 2, Introduction |
| Authoring tools | General introduction |
| Base form of a verb | 3#, Part 2, Introduction |
| Cautions | 5.1, 7# |
| Change form | General introduction |
| Colons | 4.3, 8.4 |
| Command form of the verb (Imperative form) | 3.2, 3.6, 5.3 |
| Company glossary | 1# |
| Comparative form of adjectives | 1.4 |
| Computer processes and applications | 1.12 |
| Conjunctions (part of speech) | Part 2, Introduction |
| Connecting words and phrases | 4.4, 6.2 |
| Consistent style | 9.4 |
| Controlled natural language | General introduction |
| Dashes | 4.3, 8.2 |
| Demonstrative adjectives | 4.5 |
| Descriptive writing | 3.6, 4.1, 6# |
| Different sentence constructions | 1.2, 9.1 |
| False friends | 9 – GR-5 |
| Forms of adjectives | 1.4, Part 2, Introduction |
| Future tense (simple) | 3.2, Part 2, Introduction |

# Page 30 of 434

**Page SRI-1**

| <u>Subject</u> | <u>Rule</u> |
|---|---|
| Headings | 8.6 |
| Help (light bulb symbol) | Part 1, all sections. Part 2, applicable entries |
| Hyphens | 2.2, 8.2. 8.7 |
| "-ing" form | 3.5 |
| Imperative form (command form) | 3.2, 3.6, 5.3 |
| Inclusive language | 9 – GR-7 |
| Infinitive form (base form of the verb) | 3.2, Part 2, Introduction |
| Initialisms | 8.6 |
| Instructions | 5#, 7# |
| Irregular verbs | 3.1, Part 2, Introduction |
| Items (in a vertical list) | 4.3, 8.4 |
| Jargon words | 1.10 |
| Key phrases | 6.2 |
| Key words | 6.2, 6.5 |
| Latin abbreviations | 9 – GR-6 |
| Law and regulations | 1.5, 1.12 |
| Length of paragraphs | 6.6 |
| Length of sentences | 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.1, 6.3, 8.4 thru 8.7 |
| List of approved verbs | Part 2, Introduction |
| List of recurring errors | Part 2, Introduction |
| Logic (descriptive writing) | 6# |
| Manufacturing processes | 1.12 |
| Meaning, one for each word | 1.3 |
| Multi-word nouns | 2# |
| Notes | 5.5 |
| Nouns (part of speech) | Part 2, Introduction |
| Nouns (how to use them) | All sections |
| Noun terms | 1.1 |
| Omission of words | 4.2 |
| Oral communication | General introduction |
| Paragraphs | 6.4, 6.5, 6.6 |
| Parentheses ( ) | 8.3, 8.5 |
| Parts of speech | 1.2, 3.7, 9.1, Part 2, Introduction |
| Passive voice | 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 |
| Past participle form (as an adjective) | 3.3 |
| Placards | 1.5, 8.6 |
| Possessive form (Saxon genitive) | 9 – GR-8 |

# Page 31 of 434

**Page SRI-2**

| <u>Subject</u> | <u>Rule</u> |
|---|---|
| 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 |

# Page 32 of 434

**Page SRI-3**

| <u>Subject</u> | <u>Rule</u> |
|---|---|
| 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# |

# Page 33 of 434

## Subject-to-rule Index

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## General introduction

### 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.

# Page 34 of 434

### Can STE be used for oral communication?

STE was developed for technical documentation only. But the rules and a controlled dictionary can help oral communication in meetings and presentations.

### Can STE be used to teach a writer English?

No. STE is not an English course book. STE will help the writer give complex information in a form that is easy to understand. Writing clearly is a complex task, and it is necessary to have a high level of fluency in English to write STE correctly.

### Can STE help technical translation?

Yes. One of the primary objectives of STE is to make translation easier. If the permitted words, the meanings of such words, and the types of sentence constructions in a text are controlled, the difference between texts will decrease to a minimum. Thus, it is easier for translators, neural machine translation engines, and Large Language Models (LLM) to translate text written in STE into the target language.

### Can writers get training in STE and find supporting authoring tools?

There are organizations, companies, and individuals that market and give training courses in how to use STE, and there are producers of authoring tools that support STE.

Neither ASD, the Simplified Technical English Maintenance Group (STEMG), nor any organization or company associated with the production of STE intend or imply any warranty or endorsement to these organizations, companies, and individuals that give training or produce authoring tools.

For training only, the above statement is not applicable to organizations, companies, and individuals who, through official agreements, are accredited by ASD to give authorized training.

For more information, refer to the STEMG website at www.asd-ste100.org.

# Page 35 of 434

### History of ASD-STE100

The first release of STE was as the AECMA Simplified English Guide, PSC-85-16598. This is the full list of all released issues, revisions and changes.

| Release date | Identification | Scope |
|--------------|----------------|-------|
| 1986-02-15 | First release | The guide included writing rules (part 1) and the dictionary (part 2) |
| 1986-09-15 | Change 1 | Guide revised |
| 1987-06-01 | Change 2 | Examples of function words and nouns (part 3) added |
| 1988-06-15 | Change 3 | Examples of verbs (part 3) added |
| 1988-12-30 | Change 4 | Examples of adjectives and adverbs (part 3) added |
| 1989-12-01 | Change 5 | Reformatted version of change 4. No changes to the content |
| 1995-09-15 | Issue 1 | Guide fully revised. Original part 2 removed and part 3 became part 2 |
| 1998-01-15 | Issue 1, Revision 1 | Updates and amendments |
| 2001-01-15 | Issue 1, Revision 2 | Updates and amendments |
| 2004-01-15 | Issue 2 | Guide fully revised |
| 2005-01-15 | Issue 3 | New issue released as ASD-STE100. No changes to the content |
| 2007-01-15 | Issue 4 | Specification revised |
| 2010-04-15 | Issue 5 | Specification revised |
| 2013-01-15 | Issue 6 | Specification revised |
| 2017-01-25 | Issue 7 | Specification fully revised, primary focus on the writing rules (part 1) |
| 2021-04-30 | Issue 8 | Specification revised, primary focus on the dictionary (part 2) |
| 2025-01-15 | Issue 9 | New issue released as a standard. Primary focus on harmonization of terminology with ISO standards |

### Maintenance of ASD-STE100

The ASD Simplified Technical English Maintenance Group (STEMG) is responsible for the development, production, publication, maintenance, and management of ASD-STE100.

The group primarily includes experts from ASD countries, along with an international team of experts from countries that are not members of ASD. There are also national and multi-country STE Support Teams (STEST) that assist the STEMG in its work. For more information, refer to www.asd-ste100.org.

### Distribution of ASD-STE100

ASD-STE100 is available free of charge to all writers and users through the STEMG website <u>www.asd-ste100.org</u> or through the ASD www.asd-europe.org and ASD-STAN websites www.asd-<u>stan.org.</u> Unauthorized distribution of ASD-STE100, direct or through different websites or portals, is strictly prohibited without written permission from the STEMG.

# Page 36 of 434

### Change forms

STE is a living language. For its continuous improvement, feedback from users is necessary. Users can give their feedback through a change form (refer to the example on the next page), which is also available in electronic format on the STEMG website.

Use this change form to write your change request, comments, or recommendations. Then, send it to <u>stemg@asd-ste100.org, to a national coordinator, or an associate expert of the STEMG. For</u> more information, refer to www.asd-ste100.org.

The STEMG has records of all change forms and their assessments. The change forms are discussed in STEMG meetings, and the next issue of ASD-STE100 will include the agreed changes. The STEMG usually sends information to the originators of the change forms about the related STEMG assessments and decisions.

# Page 37 of 434

**Page v**

## Change form for ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English

Use this change form to write your change request, comments, or recommendations. Then, send it to <u>stemg@asd-ste100.org, to a national coordinator, or an associate expert of the STEMG. For</u> more information, refer to www.asd-ste100.org.

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Writing rule or dictionary word:<br>Change that you think is necessary:<br>Purpose of the change:<br>For dictionary words only, suggested approved meaning or suggested alternatives:<br>For dictionary words only, example(s) of how to use the word.<br>If it is possible, give sufficient examples from your documentation to support your proposal:<br>Sent by:  Date:<br>Company or organization:<br>Email:<br>ASD STEMG assessment and decision:  Date:<br>
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**General introduction**

# Page 38 of 434

**Page vi**

### Acknowledgments and dedication

ASD thanks all individuals, companies, and organizations for their contributions to the development and ongoing support of ASD-STE100.

The STEMG dedicates this issue 9 to all its previous chairpersons who directed the group from the start of the STE project:

- René Van Dijk (1983-1987)
- Wally Grindrod (1987-1991)
- Wilfried Jacobs (1991-1994)
- Kathleen Barthe (1994-2007).

These remarkable persons have shaped the history of STE, and today the world benefits from their passion and the enduring legacy of their efforts.

### Guide to the writing rules

The writing rules (part 1) have 9 sections that contain 53 rules. Most of the content in the writing rules is in STE. The spelling and punctuation obey American English rules.

On the first page of each section, you can find the list of all rules included in that section. Then, there are explanations and examples for each rule.

After their related explanations, there are non-STE and STE examples in different typefaces and colors as follows:

> **Non-STE:** _<mark>Non-STE: Make sure that the valve is operable.</mark>_
> **STE:** <mark>STE: Make sure that the valve can operate.</mark>

General examples, not related to STE, are given in this typeface and color:

> _<mark>An opening door can be dangerous.</mark>_

When you read the writing rules, always refer to the dictionary (part 2). The introduction to the dictionary includes all the necessary information to use the dictionary correctly.

#### Help

For some rules in part 1, a graphic symbol and related text give you more information or examples about the applicable rule. This graphic symbol is referred to as "help." Some words in the dictionary (part 2) also have this symbol. Refer to the introduction to the dictionary for the necessary information about the types of help.

# Page 39 of 434

**Page vii**

**General introduction**

### Reference documents

ASD-STE100 Simplified Technical English refers to the books, publications, and guidelines that follow:

- American National Standards Institute. (2024). _ANSI Z535 series_ .
- Merriam-Webster. (2016). _Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary_ (11th ed.).
- European Institute for Gender Equality. (2019). _Toolkit on Gender-sensitive Communication_ .
- International Organization for Standardization. (2019). _Terminology work and terminology science – Vocabulary – Part 1: Theory and application_ (ISO 1087:2019).
- International Organization for Standardization. (2024). _Graphical symbols — Safety colours and safety signs — Parts 1 thru 4_ (ISO 3864).
- International Organization for Standardization. (2018). _Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use_ (ISO 45001:2018).
- International Organization for Standardization. (2022). _Terminology work — Principles and methods_ (ISO 704:2022).
- Kirkman, J. (2006). _Punctuation matters: Advice on punctuation for scientific and technical writing_ .
- Swan, M. (2017). _Practical English usage_ (4th ed.).
- The Chicago Manual of Style. (2024). _The Chicago manual of style_ (18th ed.).
- Sabin, W. A. (2011). _The Gregg reference manual: A manual of style, grammar, usage, and formatting_ (10th ed.).
- U.S. Government Publishing Office. (2020). _U.S. Government Publishing Office style manual._
- United Nations. (2019). _Disability-inclusive communications guidelines_ .

# Page 40 of 434

**Page viii**

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