STE sentences are short, complete and about one topic. STE sets maximum lengths: 20 words for sentences in procedures and 25 words for sentences in descriptions. Short sentences are easier to read, to remember and to translate.
Keep sentences short
- Procedural sentences: maximum 20 words.
- Descriptive sentences: maximum 25 words.
- These are maximums, not targets. Many good STE sentences have 8 to 15 words.
- Read how to count words on the punctuation and word count page.
One topic in each sentence
- Give one instruction or one fact in each sentence.
- If a sentence has "and", "which" or "while" in the middle, check if it contains two topics. If it does, split it.
Do not omit words
- Do not remove words to make a sentence shorter. Keep articles ("the", "a"), and keep "that" after verbs such as "make sure".
- Write "Make sure that the switch is in the OFF position", not "Ensure switch OFF".
- Telegraphic text is short, but the reader must guess the missing words.
Use vertical lists
- When a sentence contains a series of items or conditions, use a vertical list.
- A list is easier to read and to check than a long sentence with many commas.
Connect sentences clearly
- Use simple words to connect sentences: "then", "but", "because", "if", "when".
- Put conditions at the start of the sentence: "If the pressure is too high, …".