Simplified Technical English examples for AI agents

use an imperative instruction

before: the technician should then proceed to remove the access panel

after: remove the access panel

rules: 3.7, 5.3

the revision uses one direct action verb and removes the indirect instruction

put one instruction in each sentence

before: open the cover, remove the filter, clean it with water, and install it after it is dry

after:

1. open the cover
2. remove the filter
3. clean the filter with water
4. let the filter dry
5. install the filter

rules: 4.3, 5.2

the list makes the sequence explicit and gives each action a separate step

put the condition before the command

before: close the valve if the pressure is more than 300 kPa

after: if the pressure is more than 300 kPa, close the valve

rule: 5.4

the reader sees the condition before the required action

name the actor

before: the test results are recorded by the operator

after: the operator records the test results

rule: 3.6

the revision puts the known actor before the action

replace an action noun with a verb

before: perform an inspection of the cable

after: inspect the cable

rule: 3.7

the revision expresses the action with a verb

keep one name for one item

before: remove the battery cover. examine the battery compartment lid for damage

after: remove the battery cover. examine the battery cover for damage

rules: 1.11, 9.4

the revision uses battery cover for the same item in both sentences

remove an ambiguous reference

before: put the pump near the motor and connect it to the bracket

after: put the pump near the motor. connect the pump to the bracket

rules: 4.1, 5.2

the revision names the pump because the pronoun could refer to the pump or motor

state the command and consequence

before: caution: hot surface

after: warning: do not touch the exhaust duct. the hot surface can cause an injury

rules: 7.1, 7.2, 7.3

a qualified safety reviewer must select the correct risk label for the applicable standard

preserve technical meaning while splitting text

before: after disconnecting the power supply, wait five minutes before you remove connector J4 because the capacitor can retain a dangerous charge

after:

1. disconnect the power supply
2. wait five minutes
3. remove connector J4

warning: the capacitor can retain a dangerous charge

rules: 5.2, 7.3

the revision keeps the delay, identifier, action order, and hazard