# Page 101–104 of 434

> **Source:** ASD-STE100 Issue 9, January 2025
> **Pages:** 101–104 of 434

# Page 101 of 434

#### Rule 7.3 Give an explanation to show the risk or possible result.

If it is possible, always tell your reader about the problems that can occur if the reader does not obey the safety instruction. If there is a clear and specified risk, the person who does the task will understand the risk and be more careful. The examples that follow are those given in rule 7.2, in which the underlined explanation clearly shows the risk or possible result.

##### Examples:

(Refer to the underlined risk or possible result.)

<u>WARNING:</u> DO NOT SWALLOW THE SOLVENT. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THAT YOU KNOW THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND FIRST AID INSTRUCTIONS FOR SOLVENTS. <u>SOLVENTS ARE POISONOUS AND CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.</u>

<u>CAUTION:</u> DO NOT USE BLEACH OR CLEANSERS THAT CONTAIN CHLORINE TO CLEAN THE UNIT. THESE CLEANING AGENTS CAN CAUSE CORROSION. <u>WARNING:</u> WHILE YOU USE THE SPRAY PAINT, POINT THE SPRAY AWAY FROM YOUR FACE. THE SPRAY PAINT CAN CAUSE INJURY TO YOUR EYES.

<u>CAUTION:</u> WHEN YOU ASSEMBLE THE UNIT, DO NOT LET THE PARTS FALL. <u>IF THEY FALL, PERMANENT DAMAGE TO THE PARTS CAN OCCUR.</u>

# Page 102 of 434

## Section 8 - Punctuation and word count

### Summary of the rules

| Rule | Description |
|------|-------------|
| Rule 8.1 | You can use all standard English punctuation marks but not the semicolon (;). |
| Rule 8.2 | Use hyphens (-) to connect words that are directly related. |
| Rule 8.3 | You can use parentheses:<br>- To make references to illustrations or text<br>- To include letters or numbers that identify items on an illustration or in a text<br>- To identify the work steps in a procedure<br>- To include abbreviations<br>- To give the singular and plural forms of a noun at the same time<br>- To explain words or a part of a sentence<br>- To include an alternative. |

### Word count

| Rule | Description |
|------|-------------|
| Rule 8.4 | In a vertical list, a colon (:) has the same effect on word count as a period and shows the end of a sentence. |
| Rule 8.5 | When you put text in parentheses, it counts as one word in that sentence. |
| Rule 8.6 | Count each of these elements as one word:<br>- Numbers<br>- Numbers together with units of measurement<br>- Abbreviations<br>- Alphanumeric identifiers<br>- Quoted text<br>- Titles, headings, placards, and labels<br>- Proper nouns of individuals, groups, organizations, and political entities. |
| Rule 8.7 | Hyphenated words count as one word. |

### Punctuation

Correct punctuation is important because it prevents ambiguity and shows how the different parts of the text are related.

STE does not give you rules about general punctuation. For more information, refer to official reference books. For example:

- 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._
- Swan, M. (2017). _Practical English usage_ (4th ed.).
- Kirkman, J. (2006). _Punctuation matters: Advice on punctuation for scientific and technical writing_ .

# Page 103 of 434

#### Rule 8.1 You can use all standard English punctuation marks but not the semicolon (;).

The semicolon (;) is not permitted in STE because it lets you write very long sentences. It is also not easy to use correctly. As an alternative to the semicolon, always write two different sentences.

##### Examples:

| Non-STE | STE (1) | STE (2) |
|---------|---------|---------|
| _Examine the removed parts; replace the damaged ones._ | _Examine the removed parts for damage._ | _Replace the damaged part(s)._ |

| Non-STE | STE |
|---------|-----|
| _The battery is not user-replaceable; it can only be replaced by an approved service station._ | _Users cannot replace the battery. Only specialists at approved service stations can replace it._ |

#### Rule 8.2 Use hyphens (-) to connect words that are directly related.

A hyphen (-) is a punctuation mark that connects words or parts of words. Use the hyphen for technical nouns to show that two or more words are directly related. This construction helps the reader to understand words and phrases more easily.

The examples that follow show how to use hyphens to connect words that are directly related.

**1. Terms that have two or more words and are adjectives before a noun:** <mark>low-altitude flight, high-pressure chamber, air-conditioned compartment, transmitter-receiver system, quick-release fastener, clamshell-type flap, eighteen-inch monitor, cast-aluminum bracket, three-to-one ratio, trial-and-error method, air-to-air refueling, soap-and-water solution, up-to-date information, run-on torque, break-away torque, cut-in speed, in-flight entertainment system, stiff-bristled brush, fire-resistant material, self-sealing hose</mark>

**2. Two-word fractions or numbers:** <mark>forty-seven, ninety-ninth, one hundred and sixty-two, three-sixteenths, one thirty-second</mark>

**3. Terms that contain an uppercase letter plus a noun, or a number plus a noun, and that usually give the shape or configuration of something:**

- <mark>L-shaped bracket, O-ring, T-shirt, U-beam, Y-coupling, V-band clamp, 3-prong connector, 180-grit abrasive cloth</mark>

**4. Verbs that contain a noun or a different part of speech as the first part:** <mark>die-cast, arc-weld, fusion-bond, stop-drill, vacuum-pack, heat-treat, jump-start, air-condition, short-circuit, fast-forward, cold-roll, dry-clean, blow-dry</mark>

**5. Terms in which the end of the prefix is a vowel, and the root word starts with a vowel:** <mark>pre-amplifier, de-icing, anti-icing, pre-engage</mark>

A hyphen is different from a dash, which divides ideas, shows a range, or gives a signal for a pause. A dash is usually longer than a hyphen, but it is at times shown as a hyphen with a space on each side.

# Page 104 of 434

#### Rule 8.3 You can use parentheses:

| Rule | Description |
|------|-------------|
| Rule 8.3 | You can use parentheses:<br>- To make references to illustrations or text<br>- To include letters or numbers that identify items on an illustration or in a text<br>- To identify the work steps in a procedure<br>- To include abbreviations<br>- To give the singular and plural forms of a noun at the same time<br>- To explain words or a part of a sentence<br>- To include an alternative. |

In STE, you can use parentheses as follows:

##### 1. To make references to illustrations or text

##### Examples in STE:

<mark>Remove the valve (10, Figure 1).</mark>

<mark>Install the cover (refer to paragraphs 2 thru 5).</mark>

**2. To include letters or numbers that identify items on an illustration or in a text**

##### Examples in STE:

<mark>Disconnect the hoses (2) and (12) from the suction ejector (8).</mark>

Remove the nuts (74), the washers (76), the bolts (68), the seals (70), and the bonding straps (72).

##### 3. To identify the work steps in a procedure

##### Example in STE:

(1) Install the locking cap (4) on the body (8).

(2) Safety the locking cap (4) with the cotter pin (5).

(3) Install a new retaining ring (6).

##### 4. To include abbreviations

##### Example in STE:

A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is a flat-panel display that uses the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals.

##### 5. To give the singular and plural forms of a noun at the same time

##### Example in STE:

A. Before you do the test(s), install the component(s).

B. Do the applicable test(s).
