Verbs carry the action in technical text, so STE controls them strictly. STE uses a small set of simple verb forms, prefers the active voice, and avoids -ing forms and complex verb structures. The result is text where the reader always knows who does what.
Use simple verb forms
STE uses these verb forms:
- the infinitive ("to remove");
- the imperative, for commands ("Remove the cover.");
- the simple present ("The pump supplies fuel.");
- the simple past ("The light came on.");
- the past participle, as an adjective ("the removed parts");
- the future ("The light will come on.").
Avoid long tense forms such as "will have been installed" or "is being checked". Check the official specification for the exact list of permitted forms.
Use the active voice
- In procedures, use the active voice (commands).
- In descriptions, use the active voice as much as possible. Use the passive only when you do not know, or it is not important, who does the action.
- The active voice shows who does the action: "The controller opens the valve", not "The valve is opened".
Avoid -ing forms
- Words that end in "-ing" can be a verb, a noun or an adjective. This makes sentences ambiguous.
- Write "Before you start the engine", not "Before starting the engine".
- An -ing word can be part of a technical name, for example "mounting bracket". That is permitted.
Use the verb, not a noun made from it
- Many texts hide the action in a noun: "Perform the removal of the filter."
- Use the verb directly: "Remove the filter."
- This makes the sentence shorter and the action clear.
Avoid weak helping words
- "Should", "it is recommended", "may need to" make instructions unclear. Is the step necessary or not?
- If the step is necessary, write a command. If it is optional, say when to do it: "If the filter is dirty, replace it."